European Identity - Individual, Group and Society - HumanitarianNet

19.European Pacifism and the Construction of Transversaland Globalised IdentitiesLadislas BizimanaCentre for Conflict Resolution, Department of Peace StudiesBradford University, United KingdomIntroductionGood afternoon everybody and thank you in advance for yourinterest and attention. In my presentation, I reflect on the link between“Pacifism” and the construction of a certain type of identity, i.e. apeace-oriented identity. My aim is to provide a conceptual frameworkfor an understanding of Pacifism as a particular way of thinking andacting that can effectively contribute to the construction of transversaland globalised identities, conducive to more peaceful communities andsocieties. I will illustrate my reflection with the case of Europe, acontinent that at a particular time of its history, chose pacifism in orderto achieve what it had failed to realise through war-making. I will usethe following plan. Firstly, I provide a brief definition of key concepts(pacifism, peace, war, conflict, conflict resolution, basic human needs,interests, identity, violence). Secondly, I deliver on the specificity ofPacifism with regard to the construction of transversal and globalizedidentities across cultures, societies, and nations, and its relevance to thebuilding of a more peaceful and prosperous world. Finally, I try to showhow Europe has succeeded in constructing a transnational identity forits own people and how its model could be a source of inspiration forother parts of the world in search of unity and harmony in diversity.Definition of key conceptsOne of the key concepts that should be clearly defined andunderstood is that of PEACE. For a long time, Peace was understood as