European Identity - Individual, Group and Society - HumanitarianNet

288 EUROPEAN IDENTITY. INDIVIDUAL, GROUP AND SOCIETYthe absence of war, that is, physical violence and confrontation resultingin substantial human and material losses. This narrow definition andunderstanding were at the heart of both domestic and internationalpolitics since ancient times throughout the cold war era. During thisperiod, the entire world remained under the constant threat of an alloutwar between two super powers that threaten each other with totaldestruction with nuclear arms. Within states, leaders used coercivemeans, including physical violence, to contain and suppress resistanceand deviance from the mainstream ideology and culture. The failure toprevent the Second World War and the collapse of the soviet empire(despite and ironically because of its harsh and repressive methods)have shown that Peace is more than the absence of physical violence;and that it therefore can best be achieved through other means thanthe use of force. It has finally been acknowledged that instead of “Sivis pacem para bellum”, the appropriate slogan is “Si vis pacem parapacem”: If you want peace do prepare yourself for peace, and not forwar as it used to be advised.This conceptual and definitional shift has occurred thanks to somethinkers who devoted their energy and time to showing that Peace is acomprehensive concept referring both to our state of mind and oursocial behaviour. It is best achieved through being at peace withoneself and with others at the same time, independently of one’sorigin, beliefs, age, social class or profession. It is best pursued throughthe satisfaction of basic human needs, expectations, aspirations andinterests that include but are not limited to shelter, cloth, food, water,health services, education, belonging, affection, identity, self-esteem,respect, recognition, acceptance, love, self-realisation, decision-makingpower, freedom, dignity, security and justice.ConflictCONFLICT occurs when one or more of these aspirations, needs,expectations, and interests are arbitrarily and unjustly denied in a wayor another. In this sense, conflict is also more than physical violence orwar. In its most basic definition, CONFLICT is a situation of open orcovert tension generated by the denial or failure to satisfy the political,economic, cultural, spiritual, and social aspirations, expectations, andneeds of individuals and/or groups. The less material are the needs themore complex a conflict becomes. Indeed, it is naturally difficult tosatisfy non-material human needs such as respect, recognition,acceptance, belonging, and self-realisation. The persistence of such