Peace and Conflict - Definitions Flashcards
Peace
The absence of conflict and violence, as well as a state of harmonious relations
Negative Peace
Absence of direct violence (war)
Positive Peace
Absence of violence and the presence of social justice and harmony
Involves addressing root causes of conflict and building sustainable relations.
Conflict
The dynamic process of actual or perceived opposition between individuals or groups.
Can be violent or non-violent
Violence
Physical or psychological force inflicted upon another being -> Prevents someone from **reaching their full potential **
Direct Violence
Behaviours that threaten life itself and/or diminish one’s capacity to meet basic human needs
Examples of Direct Violence
e.g. killing, maiming, sexual assault, emotional manipulation
Structural Violence
The systemic ways in which some groups are hindered from equal access to opportunities, goods, and services
Who is often responsible for structural violence?
Often due to legal structures that enforce marginalisation, such as governments and councils
Cultural Violence
The existence of prevailing or prominent social norms that make direct and structural violence seem “natural” or “right” or at least acceptable.
What justifications of violence are there?
- Self-defence (Just War Theory)
- Humanitarian Intervention
- Religiously-condoned Justifications
- Culturally-condoned justifications
Just War Theory
An ethical framework used to describe when it’s acceptable to go to war, and how that war should be fought
What are the six criteria that must be considered before going to war in Just War Theory (Jus ad bellum)?
- **Just Cause **- Good, moral reason to go to war
- Intention - What is the final goal of the war?
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Nationhood - Is the entity initiating the conflict a state?
-Likelihood of success - Does the nation have a reasonable chance of success (to avoid wasting human life and resources? - Proportionality - Would going to war do more good than harm?
- Last Resort - Has every other option been exhausted
What are the three criteria that must be considered whilst a country is in a conflict in Just War Theory (Jus in bellum)?
- A warring nation can only aim at legitimate targets (e.g. no civilians or places of cultural significance)
- Damage from war (to people, infrastructure, and environment) must be proportionate to the ends achieved
- Is each action taken necessary?
Non-violent conflict
The practice of advocating for one’s rights without physically harming the opponent
Examples of non-violent conflict
Peaceful demonstrations, strikes, civil disobedience, diplomacy
What are the characteristics of a non-violent conflict?
- A legitimate structure is in place to facilitate dialogue that is followed by all parties
