THE NATURE OF PEACE

Peace is generally defined as a state of quiet or tranquility, as an absence of disturbance or agitation.

Peace at the minimum refers to absence of violence or war.

• Peace can be voluntary, where potential agitators choose to abstain from disturbance.

• Peace can also be enforced, by suppressing those who might otherwise cause such disturbance.

• Peace definitions or concepts are the basis on which we decide how to make peace.

• For example, if I define peace as not war, then I would attempt to make peace by attempting to eliminate war or at least mitigate its severity.

• On the other hand, if I defined peace as inner harmony, I would meditate as much as possible in order to make peace.

• The point is that concepts or definitions of peace are the basis for peacemaking. What one does to achieve peace depends on how one images, defines, or conceptualizes peace.

P E A C EJUSTICE SOCIAL EQUITY TOLERANCE ACCOUNTABLE

GOVERNANCEKAAYUSAN

HUMAN RIGHTS GENDER EQUALITY POLITICAL RECONCILIATION

SOLIDARITY PARTICIPATION

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

INNER PEACEWELL BEING

PEACE PAGTUTULUNGAN COMPASSION

HUMAN SECURITY

PAGMAMALASAKIT PAGKAKAUNAWAAN

PANANAGUTAN SA KAPWA

NON VIOLENCE

DEMOCRACY RESPECT FOR LIFE KALAYAAN KAGINHAWAHAN INCLUSION

As defined by the United Nations, the Culture of Peace is a set of values, attitudes, modes of behavior and ways of life that reject violence and prevent conflicts by tackling their root causes to solve problems through dialogue and negotiation among individuals, groups and nations

Since wars begin in the minds of men (and women), it is in the minds of men (and women) that defenses of peace must be constructed "

Constitution of UNESCO, 1945

THE NATURE OF CONFLICT

What is Conflict?

Conflict occurs in situations in which (1) there is an expressed struggle (2) the people are interdependent, (3) they seek different goals or they favor different means to the same ends; and/or (4) the people perceive the other is interfering with their pursuit of scarce rewards or resources.” Difference exists in the desires, thoughts, attitudes, feelings, or behaviors…”

Five Elements of Conflict

Expressed struggle

Interdependence

Perceived Incompatible Goals

Perceived Scarce Resources

Interference

GLOBAL/PLANETARYGLOBAL/PLANETARY

INTERNATIONALINTERNATIONAL

NATIONAL NATIONAL

REGIONALREGIONAL

FAMILY FAMILY COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY

WORK PLACEWORK PLACESCHOOLSCHOOL

INTRA INTRA PERSONALPERSONAL

LEVELS AND DIMENSIONS OF CONFLICTSLEVELS AND DIMENSIONS OF CONFLICTS

Characteristics of Conflict1. Conflict is natural. It is inevitable.

Avoid turning conflict into destructive conflict.

2. Great changes are caused by conflict. Without conflict, personal growth and social change would not occur.

3. Conflict can be seen as a gift of energy that moves people to act.

4. Conflict is not the problem, it's what you do with it that makes a difference.

5. Conflict is not for winning. The goal of conflict is not to subdue the other. It is for learning, growing, and cooperating.

6. When conflict is understood, it becomes an opportunity to learn and create.

7. When conflict is perceived as a positive life force, those in conflict learn to control their own lives in ways that also respect others.

Conflicts can be classified as constructive or

destructive based on the process used in managing them and the outcomes of the conflict.

With regard to process…

The management of conflict is constructive if it is defined as:• “our” problem.• a win-win situation in which both parties gain.

With regard to process…

The management of conflict is destructive if it is defined as:

• “your” problem.• a win-lose situation in which one person gains and the other loses.

With regard to outcomes…Conflicts are constructive when participants:

• feel understood and accepted.• are committed to and satisfied with the solution.

With regard to outcomes…

Conflicts are destructive when participants:

• feel misunderstood and rejected.• are not committed to nor satisfied with the solution.

Summary

Constructive Destructive

“our” problem “your” problem

win-win win-lose

feel understood and accepted

feel misunderstood and rejected

are committed to and satisfied with the solution

are not committed to nor satisfied with the solution

DESTRUCTIVE CONFLICT

diverts energy from real task

destroys morale

polarizes individuals and groups

deepens differences

obstructs cooperative action

produces irresponsible behavior and creates suspicion and distrust

CONSTRUCTIVE CONFLICT

opens up an issue in a confronting manner and

develops clarification of an issue

improves problem-solving quality

increases involvement

provides more spontaneity in

communication

initiates growth

strengthens a relationship when

creatively resolved

What are the causes of CONFLICT?

1. Communication failure 2. Personality conflict3. Value differences4. Goal differences5. Methodological differences6. Substandard performance7. Lack of cooperation8. Differences regarding authority9. Differences regarding

responsibility10.Competition over resources11.Non-compliance with rules

Major Causes of Armed Conflicts in the Philippines based on the NUC Consultations (1992-1993)

• Massive poverty and economic inequity

• Political inequity

• Injustice, abuse of power

• Poor governance

• Exploitation and marginalization of indigenous cultural communities

1. Pursuit of social, economic, and political reforms aimed at addressing the root causes of armed struggle and social unrest.

2. Consensus building and empowerment for peace through continuous consultation at the national and local levels.

3. Peace negotiations with armed groups.

4. Implementing measures for reconciliation, reintegration of former combatants and rehabilitation of those affected by the conflict.

5.  Management and protection of civilians.  

6. Build, nurture and enhance a positive climate for peace.

THE SIX PATHS TO PEACE

SEVEN BLUNDERS OF THE WORLD

Wealth without Work

Pleasure without Conscience

Knowledge without Character

Commerce without Morality

Science without Humanity

Worship without Sacrifice

Politics without Principle

MAHATMA GANDHI