Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Midterm Review: What is peace studies?

Midterm Review: What is Peace Studies?

Thus far, we have investigated many different theories in traditional peace theory. What have we learned? Let’s look again.

Peace theorists recognize that conflict is inevitable. We will never successfully rid the world of conflict. In fact, we do not seek to do so. Conflict can be a source for growth and an opportunity for learning. Thus we welcome life’s moments of conflict and study how to transform these moments of tension into moments of growth.

Conflict can be resolved or escalated. Escalation of conflict can often result in violence. Violence is simply defined as anything that inhibits basic needs. Violence can be on physical, emotional, economic, institutional, or cultural levels. It is a display of power.

Peace theorists have identified three forms of violence. Physical violence inhibits the attainment of human needs by harming the person or their environment. Structural violence inhibits the attainment of human needs by creating unfair structures that people live and operate in. Cultural violence inhibits the attainment of human needs through expectations, mores and societal mythos.

So why study peace? Since conflict is inevitable, we must study techniques for peaceful resolutions to conflict. As we remember, recall and recreate peaceful institutions, we are working toward a more peaceful future.

A peaceful response to violent conflict can come generally in two forms. The first form is known as negative peace. This is simply the ending of the violence. The second is known as positive peace. This not only ends the violent conflict, it also crates new structures that encourage healthy, peaceful conflict.

Peace studies in this way becomes more than just ending the violence of our world, but rather, a new way to look at the world. We work on interpersonal (micro), institutional (meso), and international (macro) conflicts. Peace becomes more than just an absence of conflict, but rather, a loving and responsible response to conflict.

As Unitarian Universalists, we use our theology and history to question the power structures in our lives. Not only do we seek the ending of physical violence by calling for a reduction of wars, we also challenge the invisible violence in our lives. Programs such as Journey Toward Wholeness and Welcoming Congregations help us question our own personal biases toward race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality. These efforts help us learn new skills in our path to recognize the “inherent worth and dignity of every person”. The movement for “green sanctuaries” and environmental practices help us enter into right relations with our Earth and the “interdependent web of all existence of which we are all a part.”

“A free and responsible search for truth and meaning” will not be without conflict. We will find paths cross and divert—even within ourselves. “Justice, equity and compassion” is necessary for our work toward peace. But we also need our peace work to have the justice we seek.

The paradox I find in studying peace is this: the more I learn about peace work, the more daunting it feels, and yet, it also seems more attainable. I am reminded of a quote by the anarchist suffragette, Helen Keller, “I do not want the peace which passeth understanding, I want the understanding which bringeth peace.”