Peace Practices
Introduction
Peace practices refer to intentional actions, strategies, methods, and activities and
interventions designed to cultivate peace, resolve conflicts, and build sustainable harmony. It
is an essential aspect of social cohesion, aimed at creating an environment where individuals
and communities can coexist without violence and strife.
“Peace practices are conscious, structured, and systematic efforts aimed at preventing
violence, resolving conflicts, and fostering sustainable harmony among individuals,
communities, and nations.”
These practices emphasize Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on suppressing
violence (negative peace), peace practices also promote positive peace (a state where societies
thrive due to justice, equality, and cooperation). Peace practice is not limited to the absence of
war but involves proactive measures to enhance justice, address grievances, nonviolence,
dialogue, empathy, and structural reforms to address the root causes of conflict and promote
dialogue among diverse groups. These practices can be applied at personal, interpersonal,
community, and international levels.
Definitions
According to Carl Rogers:
“Peace practice involves creating a safe, non-judgmental environment where individuals
can openly express themselves.”
According to Abraham Maslow
“The pursuit of personal growth and fulfillment leads to harmonious relationships and
societal peace.”
According to Martin L. Rossman
“Peace practice is the cultivation of mindfulness and emotional intelligence, emphasizing
self-awareness and regulation.”
According to John Paul Lederach
“Peace practice is a collaborative approach that engages communities in addressing
conflicts and building relationships.”
Core Peace Practices
1. Psychological Approaches to Conflict Resolution
Psychological approaches to conflict resolution focus on understanding the underlying
emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that contribute to conflict. These approaches recognize that
conflicts often stem from interpersonal dynamics rather than just external issues.
• Nonviolent Communication (NVC): Developed by Marshall Rosenberg, NVC
emphasizes empathetic communication and understanding in interactions. It encourages
individuals to express their feelings and needs without blame or judgment, fostering a
connection that can lead to resolution.
Key Steps
✓ Observation: Describing the situation without evaluation. (What happened)
✓ Feelings: Expressing how one feels in response to the situation. (How you feel about it)
✓ Needs: Identifying the unmet needs behind those feelings. (What you need)
✓ Requests: Making clear, actionable requests to meet those needs. (What you want from
the other person)
Example: A student might say, “When I see my classmates talking while I’m presenting
(observation), I feel ignored (feeling) because I need respect (need). Can you please listen
quietly during my presentation? (request)” This helps classmates understand the student's
feelings.
• Mediation and Negotiation Techniques: Mediation involves a neutral third-party
facilitating discussions between conflicting parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable
agreement. Negotiation techniques focus on bargaining and compromise to resolve disputes.
Example: If two students argue over who gets to use a shared computer, a teacher can mediate.
The teacher asks each student to share their point of view and encourages them to find a
compromise, like taking turns or scheduling times to use the computer.
• Problem-Solving Models (Burton, 1990): Richard Burton’s problem-solving model
focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying root causes of conflict rather than
just the surface issues. This approach emphasizes collaboration and creative solutions.
Example: If a group project is causing tension because some students aren’t contributing, the
teacher might help the group identify the problem. They could discuss why some members are
disengaged (perhaps they don’t understand the task) and brainstorm solutions together, like
assigning roles that suit each member’s strengths.
2. Reconciliation and Forgiveness Practices
Reconciliation involves restoring relationships after a conflict or hurt. It focuses on
understanding, healing, and rebuilding trust. Forgiveness is the process of letting go of anger
and resentment towards someone who has caused harm. It helps individuals achieve personal
peace and can improve relationships.
• Truth and Reconciliation Commissions (TRCs): TRCs are official bodies established
to address past injustices, often in contexts of political conflict or societal trauma. They
provide a platform for victims and perpetrators to share their experiences, fostering
understanding and acknowledgment of harm.
Example: In South Africa, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was established post-
apartheid to help the nation confront its painful past. It allowed victims of apartheid to tell their
stories, promoting national healing and understanding.
• Apology and Forgiveness Programs: These programs focus on the importance of
acknowledging wrongdoing and encouraging forgiveness as a means of healing. They
provide structured environments for individuals or groups to offer sincere apologies and
seek forgiveness.
Example: In schools, programs may be implemented where students learn the importance of
apologizing for hurtful actions. After a conflict, they are guided to express their apologies and
engage in discussions about forgiveness and moving forward.
3. Education for Peace and Nonviolence
Education for Peace and Nonviolence is essential because it recognizes that peace is a
learned behavior, and by instilling peace values, we can reduce aggression and foster future
peacemakers. Key practices in this area include implementing peace education in schools,
where students learn conflict resolution and emotional intelligence skills that help them
navigate disputes constructively. Intergroup Contact Theory, proposed by Gordon Allport in
1954, emphasizes the importance of bringing diverse groups together to reduce prejudice and
promote understanding. Additionally, utilizing media and literature can effectively convey
peace narratives through storytelling, helping individuals relate to and embrace peaceful values.
Mindfulness and emotional regulation training further empower individuals to manage anger
and aggression, contributing to a more peaceful society.
Example: UNESCO’s peace education programs specifically target children in conflict
zones, teaching them nonviolent dispute resolution techniques, thus equipping them with the
skills necessary to break the cycle of violence and foster peace in their communities.
4. Environmental Peacebuilding
Environmental Peacebuilding addresses the link between environmental issues and conflict,
recognizing that resource scarcity, such as water, land, and food can trigger disputes. By
promoting sustainable environmental practices, this approach aims to foster long-term peace.
Key practices include:
➢ Water and Resource-Sharing Agreements: These agreements help prevent conflicts
by establishing fair distribution and management of natural resources among
communities or nations.
➢ Climate Adaptation Programs: These initiatives support vulnerable populations in
adapting to climate change, reducing the risk of displacement and conflict over
dwindling resources.
➢ Eco-Sustainability and Conservation: Focusing on environmental justice and
protection ensures that natural resources are managed sustainably, benefiting all
stakeholders and reducing the potential for conflict.
Example: The Nile River Cooperation Agreements, which facilitate cooperation over water
use among Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia, thereby preventing disputes and promoting
collaborative resource management.
Impact of Peace Practices on Sustainable Peace
• Fosters Empathy and Communication: Peace practices emphasize the importance of
understanding different perspectives. By encouraging empathetic communication,
individuals learn to appreciate each other's feelings and experiences, which reduces
hostility and promotes a more compassionate society. This foundation of empathy is
essential for resolving conflicts peacefully.
• Promotes Collaborative Problem-Solving: When individuals engage in constructive
dialogue, they are more likely to work together to find solutions to their disagreements.
This collaborative approach not only resolves immediate conflicts but also strengthens
relationships, creating a culture of cooperation that is vital for lasting peace.
• Facilitates Healing and Understanding: Reconciliation practices allow individuals to
confront and process past traumas. By providing a platform for victims and perpetrators
to share their stories, these practices promote mutual understanding and acknowledgment
of harm. This healing process is crucial for moving forward and preventing the recurrence
of conflict.
• Rebuilds Trust and Community Cohesion: Trust is often eroded during conflicts. Peace
practices that focus on reconciliation and forgiveness help rebuild this trust, fostering a
sense of community among diverse groups. When people feel connected and united, they
are less likely to engage in violence and more likely to support one another.
• Instils Nonviolence and Empathy in Future Generations: Education for peace teaches
young people the values of nonviolence, empathy, and conflict resolution. By instilling
these principles early on, future generations are better equipped to handle disputes
constructively, reducing the likelihood of violence and promoting a culture of peace.
• Empowers Individuals to Address Societal Challenges: Peace practices equip
individuals with the skills and knowledge to tackle societal issues, such as inequality and
injustice. When people are empowered to advocate for their rights and the rights of others,
they contribute to a more just and peaceful society.
• Prevents Resource-Related Conflicts: Environmental peacebuilding practices focus on
sustainable management of natural resources. By establishing fair distribution agreements
and promoting cooperation over shared resources, these practices reduce competition and
the potential for conflicts over vital resources like water and land.
• Mitigates Tensions Over Scarcity: Addressing environmental justice and promoting eco-
sustainability can alleviate tensions that arise from scarcity. When communities work
together to manage resources sustainably, they reduce the risk of disputes and create a
more stable environment.
• Creates a Comprehensive Framework for Lasting Peace: Integrating various peace
practices creates a holistic approach to conflict resolution and community building. This
comprehensive framework addresses both the symptoms and root causes of conflict,
leading to more resilient societies that can sustain peace over the long term.
