On Peace: Peace as a Means of Statecraft
Abstract
Peace is a word that is often used but vaguely understood. Conventional thought considers peace as a condition that shares a dialectical relationship with war, albeit devoid of a separate nature of its own. Upon closer examination peace has a pragmatic quality to it as well as the potential to be a separate element of statecraft, not simply the absence, termination, or continuation of war. This paper examines peace at the individual, collective, and intercollective levels. It does so by addressing three central questions. First, how is peace defined and what is its nature? Is it a natural condition or an artificially constructed one? Second, does it differ at the individual, collective, and intercollective levels. And third, can peace stand on its own as a means of policy relative to diplomacy and war? In essence, can peace be waged? Research reveals that a complex paradigmatic change in statecraft must occur to employ peace as a "shaping" and sustaining action. The author believes further inquiry is required to fully understand its potential as a tool, one that is similar to "soft power." At the conclusion of the paper, he offers recommendations for the continued development of this concept.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA500630
Entities
People
- James H. Herrera
Organizations
- United States Army War College