Chapter Eight
INTRODUCTION OF
PEACE
AND PEACEBUILDING
Objectives
Introduction of peace and peacebuilding
The multiple components of peace
Types of Peace
INTRODUCTION OF PEACE
Introduction of peace and
peacebuilding
• What is peace (Nabad)?
• There are many definitions of peace, but all of them are rooted in
notions of individual flourishing, cooperation, mutual respect, and
justice.
• Peace is defined as societal harmony and mutual respect. In the
absence of animosity and violence, In social contexts, the absence of
conflict (like war) and the absence of fear of violence among people
or groups are usually understood to constitute peace.
CONT..
• Peaceful behavior sometimes results from a "peaceful inner
disposition". It has been argued by some that inner qualities such as
tranquility, patience, respect, compassion, kindness, self-control,
courage, moderation, forgiveness, equanimity, and the ability to see
the big picture can promote peace within an individual, regardless of
the external circumstances of their life.
• (Nabad ba Naas la nuugo leh).
The multiple components of
peace
• We define peace through the following four components:
• 1. Peace is an outcome (e.g., it is assessed by the absence of violence).
• 2. Peace is a process (e.g., peace-building is characterized by efforts to
negotiate freedom from violence through the creation of social bonds within
and across groups of people.)
• 3. Peace is a human disposition (e.e., it is a personal and social orientation to
secure freedom from distress and to foster a capacity to act, predicated on a
fundamental recognition of freedom and dignity of all people).
• 4. Peace is a culture (i.e., it is distinctive from a culture of violence, and fosters
a sense of global citizenship.)
Types of Peace
• Peace is classified into four types:
• A. Positive peace, which is defined by the absence of war and
violence. Positive peace means a state of tranquility, calm, repose,
quietness, B. harmony, friendship, amity, concord, peaceful or
friendly relation, public order, pacification, spiritual content,
reconciliation, serenity, security, social justice, and bliss.
cont..
• C. Negative peace, which is defined as a more lasting peace, is built
on sustainable investments in economic development and institutions
as well as the societal attitudes that foster peace.
• Negative peace means an absence of war, conflict, hostility, agitation,
disturbance, disagreement or quarrel, struggle, violence, terrorism,
civil strife or civil commotion, social disorder, etc., and an absence of
mental disturbance such as anxiety, worry, restlessness, etc.
Cont..
• D. Internal peace, is "peace of mind or soul." The absence of afflictions or
mental disturbances, such as worry, anxiety, greed, want, hatred, ill-will,
delusion, and/or other imperfection leads to a state of peace, serenity, and
tranquility of mind. which comes from training or developing one's mind,
is a peace that exists inside oneself.
• A man can cultivate and preserve inner serenity even in an agitated
environment or a violent culture. In the realm of religion, particularly
Eastern faiths, emphasis is placed on internal harmony. Religions believe
that among other things, prayer, meditation, knowledge, and other
practices can lead to this kind of calm. Internal harmony is necessary.
Cont..
• E. External peace. A condition of peaceful and contented coexistence
between humans and the natural world is known as external peace, and
it is a state that exists in society, nations, and the entire planet. External
peace is the state in which all social virtues and evils are absent.
• F. There is a relationship between internal and outward tranquility.
Both rely on one another and provide support to one another. While
exterior peace symbolizes societal harmony, internal peace reflects the
tranquility of the person.
Level of peace
1. Personal Peace: is the state of accepting oneself for who you are—
spirit, soul, and body—regardless of how you look to the outside
world or how you perceive yourself. This also results from a more
profound and improved understanding of oneself. And best ways that
you can inner peace are self-discovery, self-improvement, and
avoiding conflict.
2. Interpersonal Peace: The achievement of peace between individuals
and groups requires the development of negotiation and conflict
resolution techniques that increase interpersonal empathy and
prevent violence. Healthy relationships and communication.
cont..
3. Societal Peace: In the absence of animosity and violence, peace is
defined as societal harmony and camaraderie. In social contexts, the
absence of conflict (like war) and the absence of fear of violence amongst
people or groups are usually understood to constitute peace. And can be
reached in Social justice, equality, and community harmony.
4. Global Peace: The idea of a perfect state of harmony amongst all
people and nations on Earth is known as "world peace." Diverse cultures,
faiths, ideologies, and groups have different ideas on how such a state may
arise. International cooperation, diplomacy, and conflict resolution.
cont..
5. Cultural Violence
Cultural violence is viewed as a wellspring of other sorts of violence
since it fosters hatred, fear, and distrust. Religion, ideology, art, and
empirical science may all be identified as potential causes of cultural
violence since they impact "the symbolic sphere of our existence"
(Galtung, 1990, p. 291). Crosses, crescents, military parades, banners,
provocative speeches, and posters, in particular, have incited some
groups of people to kill and damage persons who belong to other
groups.
cont..
6. Direct Violence: Direct violence, as it is often understood, refers to
physical damage and the inflicting of pain caused by a single individual.
Thus, whether in war or interpersonal circumstances, murdering and
beating constitute direct violence.
Verbal and psychological abuse are examples of direct violence. Direct
violence usually works quickly and spectacularly. It is personal, visible,
evident, and ad hoc. It is carried through time by traumas left behind by
its harmful effects on the body, mind, and soul.
cont..
7. Structural Violence : Another method to describe events that cause
human unhappiness is through poverty, starvation, repression, and
social estrangement. The lack of educational possibilities, free
expression, and freedom of association reduces the quality of life.
These factors are related to unequal life chances, unequal resource
distribution, and unequal decision-making authority. Because of its
subtle and indirect character, structural violence frequently works
slowly to erode human values and decrease life spans. It is generally
woven into the fabric of society and cultural organizations.
Approaches of Peace
• The fundamental approaches to peace are:
• A) Peace Making
• B) Peace Keeping
• C) Peace Building
Peace Making
Peace Making
• Peacemaking refers to the process of resolving conflicts and fostering
reconciliation between individuals, groups, or nations. It involves the
deliberate and active effort to address the root causes of conflicts, promote
understanding, and build sustainable agreements or solutions that contribute
to lasting peace.
• Peacemaking can take various forms, ranging from diplomatic negotiations
between countries to community-based initiatives aimed at resolving
interpersonal disputes. Successful peacemaking requires a combination of
diplomacy, empathy, and a commitment to addressing the root causes of
conflicts.
Key elements of peace-making
include:
• Dialogue and Communication: Establishing open and constructive
communication is crucial for understanding the perspectives of all
parties involved. Dialogue can help identify common ground and
areas of disagreement, facilitating the search for mutually acceptable
solutions.
• Negotiation: Diplomatic negotiations are often a central component
of peacemaking. Skilled negotiators work to find compromises and
agreements that address the concerns of all parties. This may involve
trade-offs and concessions, but the goal is to reach a resolution that is
acceptable to everyone involved.
cont..
• Conflict Resolution: Peacemaking efforts often involve addressing the
underlying causes of conflicts and finding ways to resolve them. This
may include addressing issues related to inequality, injustice, or
historical grievances that contribute to tensions. Mediation: In
situations where direct negotiations are challenging, neutral third
parties, known as mediators, can facilitate communication and help
bridge gaps between conflicting parties.
• Mediation: often involves guiding discussions and assisting parties in
finding common ground.
cont..
• Reconciliation: Building trust and fostering reconciliation are essential
for long-term peace. This may involve acknowledging past wrongs,
promoting forgiveness, and working towards rebuilding relationships
between individuals or communities.
• International Diplomacy: On a larger scale, peacemaking can involve
international diplomacy where nations work together, often with the
assistance of international organizations, to resolve conflicts and
promote stability.
cont..
• Community Involvement: In many cases, peace-making initiatives are
most effective when they involve and engage local communities.
Community-based efforts can address the social, economic, and
cultural aspects of conflicts and contribute to sustainable peace.
• Post-Conflict Reconstruction: In situations where conflict has caused
significant damage, peace-making efforts may extend to post-conflict
reconstruction, including rebuilding infrastructure, addressing
economic challenges, and promoting social and political stability.
Peace Keeping
Peace Keeping
• Peacekeeping refers to the deployment of international forces to help
maintain or restore peace in areas affected by conflict. The primary
objective of peacekeeping missions is to facilitate the resolution of
disputes and create conditions for lasting peace. These missions are
typically authorized by the United Nations (UN) or other regional
organizations and involve military, police, and civilian personnel from
various countries.
Key characteristics of
peacekeeping missions include:
• Impartiality: Peacekeeping forces are expected to remain neutral and
impartial in the conflicts they are involved in. They are not there to
take sides but to create an environment conducive to conflict
resolution.
• Consent of Parties: The deployment of peacekeepers requires the
consent of the parties involved in the conflict, including the host
country and any other relevant actors. This distinguishes
peacekeeping from peace enforcement, where military intervention
may occur without the consent of the parties.
cont..
• Multinational Composition: Peacekeeping forces are typically
composed of troops and personnel from multiple countries, forming a
multinational and diverse contingent. This diversity is intended to
enhance the legitimacy and effectiveness of the mission.
• Conflict Prevention and Management: Peacekeepers work to prevent
the reoccurrence of violence and manage conflicts by monitoring
ceasefires, patrolling borders, and facilitating dialogue between
conflicting parties.
cont..
• Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR): In post-
conflict situations, peacekeepers may be involved in efforts to disarm
combatants, demobilize military forces, and support the reintegration
of former combatants into civilian life.
• Humanitarian Assistance: Peacekeeping missions often provide
humanitarian aid, including medical assistance, food distribution, and
support for displaced populations. This is particularly important in
conflict zones where basic needs are compromised.
cont..
• Rule of Law and Institution Building: Peacekeepers assist in
establishing or strengthening institutions that promote the rule of
law, good governance, and human rights. This may include training
local police forces and supporting the development of legal and
judicial systems.
• Political Process Support: Peacekeeping missions may support
political processes such as elections, constitutional reforms, and the
establishment of inclusive and representative governance structures.