Peacebuilding &conflict transformation A ... - Peaceworkafrica

peace in life on earth, not on eternal peace after death. Peace is always linked tohuman interaction, people’s interests, the struggle for power and recognition; simplystriving for justice leads to conflict — all these issues are thus related to peace andpeace making. (See also parts III on conflict and VIII on conflict transformation.)Below is a list with a variety of thoughts and kinds of definitions about peace.Although this list is just a tiny selection, it highlights a variety of thoughts about thecontents of peace.▶ Peace is the absence of war.▶ Peace is often defined in the negative as freedom from war. Peace, developmentand democracy form an interactive triangle. They are mutually reinforcing.Without democracy, fair distribution of economic progress and wealth isunlikely. Without sustainable development the disparities become marked andcan be a cause for unrest, and without peace, developmental gains are quicklydestroyed.▶ Peace is not the absence of war. Peace is a virtue, an attitude, a tendency togood, trust and justice. (Spinoza 1632–1677).▶ Peace means the absence of violence in all forms.▶ Peace is a natural social condition, whereas war is not.▶ Peace is a process, a many-sided and never-ending struggle to transformviolence.▶ Peace is often compared to health, in that is it is more easily recognized byits absence.▶ Peace is a prime force in human behaviour (pacifism).▶ Peace describes the unfolding of conflict in a constructive way — it does notmean the total absence of conflict. Peace therefore exists where people interactnon‐violently and manage their conflict positively, with respectful attention tothe legitimate needs and interest of all concerned. Peace can be considered aswell‐managed social conflict.▶ Peace means a balanced, fair, just and calm state of affairs, where all concernedknow and enjoy their due rights and protection.20 I . P E A C E