Peace Studies Program on International Peace Education

Peace is a politically neutral concept of civil harmony and societal harmony without the threat of war and violence. In a political sense, peace is typically used to signify a general absence of conflict and violence between humans or groups, usually during peacetime. Peace is frequently associated with the promotion of human rights and the prevention of serious international crimes. In many cases, peace seems to refer to the period immediately following the cessation of armed conflicts, although there can also be a gradual return to fighting as societies and countries reestablish their borders, retain their existing institutions, and work out how to live together in harmony.

The study of peace studies seeks to uncover the bases of international violence and the root causes of the conflicts that seem to plague humanity today. The peace processes of past periods can be examined to learn what went wrong, and what needs to be improved in order for peace to flourish. Peace studies scholars have also sought to determine the reasons behind the violent actions of self-proclaimed “good” and “bad” people. Through comprehensive research, they have been able to provide an accurate assessment of the various conflicts and the role that international terrorism plays in fomenting conflicts and promoting political discord.

A part of the peace studies program is the prevention of acts of aggression. According to the U.S. State Department, “No nation can claim to be secure until its security forces are prepared to protect it from attacks from abroad… Attacks by international terrorists against the United States, our friends, and our interests do not strengthen our resolve to remain a safe and stable nation – they make us less safe.” International terrorism has become a significant hindrance to global peace, and efforts should be made to prevent it from spreading and engulfing entire countries and ideologies. As part of the peace studies program, students are encouraged to examine the various causes of international terrorism and to develop strategies for preventing, countering, and countering any potential acts of international terrorism in future periods.