Peace Studies Questions - Case Study Example

Q There has been different definition of peace advanced by different schools of thought that differ depending on the angle of the area of concern. To some scholars, peace is indicated by the absolute absence of any kind of violence. The relative absence of conflicting groups and people results into the belief that there is relative peace. Another school of thought however defines peace as the life-enhancing outcome of a given behavior. This definition personalizes the presence of peace to depend on the positive lifestyle of different people as they interact with each other. The two definitions differ significantly, as one defines peace as the absence of an element while the other anchors its definition on the presence of a given behavior among people. The two definitions of peace given above have a number of strengths and weaknesses, which makes it possible to conclude there is no universal of peace. Defining violence as the absence of any elements of violence seeks to identify the factors that results into the lack of peace. Violence is the cause of difference between what is actual and what is potential, that which could have been and that which is actually is; moreover, violence is the physical manifestation of the lack of peace and agreement in a society. The presence of violence is an obvious proof of the lack of collective understanding between individuals; therefore, fighting nations and communities use violence on each other as way of disapproving their actions and deeds. Through violence, it is possible to conclude that members of a given society lack understanding and collective understanding. Violence therefore makes it easier to identify the areas of discontent and is a clear variable for peace definition (Galtung, 1996). The use of violence in the definition of peace however makes a confusing conclusion on the presence or absence of peace. It is not possible to identify the point and area of discontent among people using violence to show disapproval of each other’s action. The presence of peace must be defined by the presence of important aspects upon which it is anchored. The use of absence of violence in definition of peace therefore fails to identify the important elements that must be present for peace to exist in a society. The presence of peace is evident when there is the ability of individuals or groups working together to achieve collective goals. The presence of uniting factors and desires to achieve specific objectives shows the presence of peace. Peace enables individuals to work and achieve goals together, most of which they could not have achieved individually. A definition that embraces the presence of understanding, shared values and ideals and a common goal deeply exhausts what peace actually mean. This definition of peace as the presence of a behavior that enhances collectiveness embraces the factors that affect the presence of peace. This definition however fails to provide the grounds upon to judge the presence or absence of peace. If its presence indicates togetherness and working towards achieving common goals, its absence must demonstrate what actually occurs (Galtung, 1996). Q.2 Understanding Global Peace Peace is generally considered to mean the absence of violence or conflict situations and the ability for all citizens of different countries to coexist without the fear of violence harmoniously. Moreover, peace presents the suggestion of existence and continuation of healthy or newly healed interpersonal, intercultural or international relations, sustained affluence concerning social or economic status, sustained levels of equality, and a functioning political system that endeavors to serve the interests of all persons and parties. Although peace is an abstract concept, there have been efforts by various world bodies to measure and evaluate the degree of peace in various countries. Since 2007, the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP, 2012) has continued to release the Global Peace Index (GPI), which is an attempt to measure, and quantify the peacefulness of nations by analyzing the degree of involvement in current conflicts or violence and the absence of harmony or discord in countries in the world based on twenty-three different indicators. According to the GPI report of 2012, Iceland was ranked as the most peaceful country in the world while Somalia was ranked as the last peaceful country, with the rankings taking into consideration the twenty-three different indicators (IEP, 2012). This global index has constantly contributed to the improvement of our knowledge of peace in modern societies. The modern society is better connected than any other epoch in the history of humankind, however, there are numerous limitations on various basic resources that are necessary for life to be sustained. Due to the interconnections, these limitations have taken a global outlook, which present challenges that are multifaceted including economic management, environmental sustainability and widespread social ills. The challenges therefore need global actions and to compound them, there is need to adequately understand the causes and then develop solutions. It is with this in mind that the Global Peace Index contributes to our knowledge of peace in today’s modern society so that we can better understand the causes of peace of lack of it so that remedies can be properly created. In order to develop proper sets of initiatives to solve any problem, local or global, it is fundamental to possess the right knowledge, thus to prosper in a world with optimal levels of peace, there is need to adequately understand the concept. The Global peace index has vastly aided in advancing our shared knowledge of the economic benefits that come with existence of peace and the improvement of peace or put in other words, the reduction of conflict or involvement in conflict by nations. According to the Global Peace Index report of 2012, it was found that the most peaceful societies performed remarkably well in many other areas as well. For example, Bulgaria was ranked as the most improved country in Eastern Europe due to reduction in its military spending which was majorly brought about by pressures in the budget. The most peaceful societies such as Iceland, Canada and Japan also recorded higher per capita income, better standards of living, enhanced freedom and a more equitable distribution of social spending as compared to countries that were ranked least peaceful such as Somalia and Afghanistan. Nevertheless, it is imperative to note that the important issue is not whether peace contributes to these benefits but rather the understanding that the elements that leads to a peaceful society permits the full conveyance of human potential which leads to a better society (IEP, 2012). Q.3 The Amish as a peaceful society The Amish is a small group of closely-knit society living in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and the adjacent areas of the United States and Canada, Amish culture is rooted in the concept of Gelassenheit, a German word that refers to submission. This requires adherents to Amish culture to live a simple, humble and obedient life with a full recognition and acceptance of higher authorities, the Amish believe in the ideal of humility and serving others as opposed to the modern way of life of personal fulfillment. According to the ideals of Gelassenheit, individuals are expected to abandon their personal wills in favor of the pursuit of the divine will, as they believe Christ did. It implies that one should unconditionally love his enemies, pray for them and desist from seeking revenge in case one has been wronged. The Amish practice a strong adherence to the teachings of Christ, which command that one should never resist evil or respond to a conflict situation with violence, which prevents them from using force in any of their interactions. As a result of these strong beliefs, the Amish cannot file lawsuits against others, serve in any disciplined force that would require them to apply force, hold an elective political office or participate in any sort of competition. The Amish still rely on the usage of older technologies however there have been cases of considerations as to whether there is need to embrace modern technologies. Regardless of this, before the acquirement of any new technology or device that has been desired by certain members, the Amish cautiously examines and evaluates its impacts on fostering differences between families, creating tensions between individuals or groups, or producing unwarranted reliance on the outside world. As they consider these changes in respect to their historic values, the Amish are able to resolve their conflicts and differences and sustain peace and unity among their people. Despite the submissive and hierarchical nature of the Amish way of life, it is imperative to acknowledge their endeavors to live peacefully with one another in the absence of conflict and violence. It is therefore undeserved to hold the blanket assumption that the Amish sustain their reverential and passive aspect of life purely through submission. In contrast to this assumption, by practicing the virtues of humility and love when confronted with conflict situations, the Amish are in extension inculcating positive environments for prosperity of other elements that contribute to a better society. In conclusion, when the Amish culture is analyzed from the context of the widely held definition of peace as proposed by Johan Galtung (1996) to mean the absence or reduction of violence of all kinds. Therefore, the Amish are truly an example of a peaceful society that strives to avoid any confrontation and therefore limit any sort of violence that may arise among members of a society. Additionally, the peace that is sustained among the Amish people is the outcome of their behaviors, which enhances their lives in a positive way. Q.4 Relevance of Gandhi’s Ideas and Practices in the 21st Century Mahatma Gandhi a timeless philosophy of nonviolence that not applied to the struggle for the independence of India but can still be applied to the challenges of creating a more peaceful society in today’s world. Gandhi, a fearless champion of the dignity of humankind, believed in the idea of nonviolence, which in the twenty first century continues to be an authentic source of normative personalism, which asserts to restore the human dignity first by fully recognizing the unique endowments of the human person a societal setting and creating the right foundations for human rights. In the 21st century, peaceful societies are those considered to have a higher respect and upholding of human rights, a principle that Gandhi advocated for during his time. Through his ideas and practices, Gandhi acknowledged that the ongoing various kinds of conflict offer suitable occasions that could be utilized to contemplate over the confirmed crises that bring about the conflict or absence of peace. These occasions can also present a chance that can be positively employed in searching for peaceful ways of resolving the conflicts. In the 21st century, this philosophy is still applicable as the various conflicts that are ongoing around the world can only be adequately resolved if a sober and nonviolent approach is adopted. However, this should be done with the full realization that the conflict resolution process is a painstaking task of restructuring the current world situation by liberating the minds of humans from such various kinds of dogmatism as economic and political barbarism and religious bigotry or fundamentalism, Gandhi acknowledged this fact. Another prominent philosophy of Gandhi was based on the moral principle of satyagraha, which advocates for total nonviolence in conflict resolution. He believed that humanity should at all; occasions are considered as an end in itself, which is still very relevant today. In order to maintain peace, there is need to adhere to the UN Charter of human rights which asserts for the honor of the dignity of human life regardless of race, color, creed or caste. Therefore, to have a higher level of peace in the 21st century, the timeless philosophy of Gandhi recognizes that we need to redefine the concept of human development and progress, which is currently founded in terms of economic development and material progress. Furthermore, Gandhi advocated for the equality of all humankind and believed in the innate goodness present in all. It is this philosophy of humanism that was applied by advocates of the abolishing of racial discrimination such as Martin Luther King Jr. Gandhi believed that the fundamental nature of humans is the same and therefore his global philosophy implied absolute non-discrimination based on race, gender, creed, political ideology, social or economic status or individuals or nations. Gandhi’s ideas and practices, therefore, continue to be a real motivation to world leaders in addressing the challenges of creating relations that are more peaceful in the 21st century. His ideas and practices though had a spiritual aspect, forms the basis that peace or nonviolence is the solution of conflict. Q.5 Mental health is a medical aspect that involves the emotional, psychological, and social well being of an individual. Mental health has an impact on the thinking, relation and how an individual handles stress. Sound mental health is important in every stage of development of a human being as it soundness affects overall development and growth of individuals. Freidli, (2009) provides an analysis of the factors that affects the ability of an individual’s mental health and psychological stability. A number of social determinants affect the development of the mental health of an individual; as a result, material living and social position affects the mental health of an individual as well as they way in which such people relate with others (Friedli, 2009). Socio economic positions (SEP) has been identified by this report as an important aspect in the development of an individual. SEP is the position that an individual occupies in the societal hierarchy, this position is never equal and this /makes access to resources unequal. The education, income, occupation and the prestige that an individual derives from his/her societal position affects their mental health. Societal position that an individual occupies in the societal hierarchy determines their ability to withstand the different social problems that may affect them hence their mental health. Social position influence constructs of a human being, which include their identity, and social status, which affects their mental health (Galtung, 1996). Shame, low self-esteem, disrespect and invidious comparisons are some of the factors that are known to define the sound development of mental health. Exposing an individual to shame and discrimination as a result of their hierarchical positions affects their mental health and development. This is attributed to the feeling of rejections and neglect that arise from such mistreatment due to the position that an individual occupies. Freidli attributes economic positions and stability as a major determinant in the psychosocial development of an individual’s mental health. Such factors include the economic status of an individual, employment or lack of it, debt and mortgages. Lack of compensatory employment lowers the self-esteem and confidence of an individual and his ability to interact with other members of the society. Self-esteem, confidence and self-efficacy are listed as some of the major psychosocial factors that affect the mental development and health of an individual. Dalai Lama, a Tibetan Buddhist has however advanced a different aspect on the determinants of mental health and psychological state of an individual. According to lama, happiness and strengths determines the level of mental development of an individual, happiness comes from a heart full of love, compassion and consideration for the plight of others. Such a heart reduces an individual’s response to hostile and rebuking environmental that can affect the mental health of a human being. Lack of compassion makes an individual angry and it filled with hatred, which has a number of psychosocial effects on the development of the mental mind (Galtung, 1996). The development of a sound mental and psychosocial health influences the interactions of individual to other members of the society. There is need for understanding the social and economic factors that influences the mental growth of an individual as it affects the health of the individual. Q.6 The supplemental environmental impact statement was formulated to highlight some of the ways of reducing the devastating effects of climate change and oil peaks. A number of proposals were put forward by SSIS that if implemented will help curb the devastating effects of climate change. A critical evaluation of this proposal is essential before implementation is considered. The statement seeks the establishment of a carbon offsetting scheme to help curb carbon emission into the atmosphere. This proposal calls for taking responsibility for the carbon a given industrial player emits into the atmosphere. This is seen as a way of enhancing and improving responsibility among the industry players. However, critics view it as ineffective as it fails to address the main problem, which is carbon emission. It is also viewed as an expensive approach that may not be effectively implemented by most companies who seek to cut on non essential costs of operation. The statement also proposes the beginning of an engagement process across the school as issues of climate change, peak oils and economic crisis affects all individuals. Different groups and members of the society should be engaged and their commitments to the processes of SSIS assured. This will most likely generate a common purpose and makes it easy to implement to the strategies developed. The proposal also agitates for a cross school engagement, which can create coherence and understanding of the main goal. However, critics argue that given the population of each school and the students involved, having an all inclusive process may be a mirage. Agreement can also be a challenge because of an increase in the number and presence of divergent opinions in such a group. Implementing such a proposal may also take a long time as consensus and agreement is sought by the schools involved (Friedli, 2009). Introduction of a carbon budget is another proposal presented by the statement to help curb growth in peak oil and climate change. The UK legislation has so far included carbon budgeting in its higher education program. This makes it compulsory for schools to include carbon budgets in its programs. The introduction of carbon budget has been lauded by the critics as a good program but its relevance to schools is doubted and questioned. Critics believe that such a program can only be implemented at the university level as they are best placed in terms of resources and labor to take care of such a budget. The success of any program that involves mitigation and implementation of programs requires that presence of vast resources and technical staff for it to succeed. SSIS proposal it its statement that there should be enough resources to enable teachers and students act in environmental friendly and sustainable manner. Provision of support to a program devised by students and teachers will increase innovation towards mitigating climate change. Environmental conservation and climate change process also requires collective actions in both legal and academic spheres. Such a step moves from individualism and unnecessary competition to collective implementation of policies. Building social resilience in the face of current and future crisis requires in depth research that focuses on the impacts of climate change to human development. The statement proposes the increase of climate change and peak oil changes in schools. Such a program will ensure the development of a society that can depend on much less resilient fossil fuels that reduces the impacts of climate change on the environment (Friedli, 2009). The adoption and implementation of energy saving measures is the third measure that the statement proposes. With such measures, schools can increase energy saving measures to help curb peak oils and climate change. Such measures have been proved easy and cheaper to implement as compared to other climate change mitigation measures. Critics however view it a ‘too late-too little’ an approach that is coming at a time when ecoveristy is already investing in environment friendly technologies. A proactive stance that highlights energy saving schemes should be proposed as opposed to this approach. A curriculum that highlights and exposes students to energy saving steps at an early age should be a priority for the schools. This makes possible for students to embrace energy saving measures as their moral responsibilities and integrate them into their social lives. Students will also be able to develop technologies that can be used to reduce the wastage associated with energy. Adjusting to a lower energy consuming approach also requires dedication and preparation from the school. This can possibly be done through creation of support posts that will be tasked with researching the best energy saving approaches the school can adopt. Such a post can also enable the school to review the benefits of involving other schools to make the process of reducing peak oils and climate change a collective responsibility. Q.7 Defining peace requires an integrative approach that analyses the major factors that have an impact on peace and violence. Such a definition should include both the present and absent definition as it involves presence and absence of important aspects of human existence. Peace should be defined as a situation, which is characterized by the presence of violence, discontent, and disagreement that results from the inability of individuals or a group of people to have a common view and perspective on a point. As a result, such people resort to violence, intimidation, fighting and blackmail in trying to find a common ground. Such a definition has included the factors that should be both absent and present for peace to prevail. The presence of violence and discontent is a clear sign of the absence of peace in a given setting, violence and fighting cannot exist in an environment characterized by peaceful coexistence, cohesion and love. According to Dalai Lama’s view on mental health and development, the peace of the mind is essential. The mind gains peace and comfort in an environment that is not characterized by infightings and violence. Peace is therefore a process that involves both the physical and emotional stability and acceptance of the state of being and the surrounding. It involves corporation and collective understanding that result from the desire to live together in pursuit of a common goal and objective. Lack of violence and in fighting is the physical indications of the presence of presence in the midst of individuals with divergent goals and desires. References Friedli, L, 2009, ‘Mental health, resilience and inequalities’ world health organization, Copenhagen. Galtung, J. (1996). Peace by peaceful means peace and conflict, development and civilization. Institute for Economics and Peace (2012). Global Peace Index 2012. Sydney, Australia. Oslo, International Peace Research Institute. Read More