Interpretations of Peace in History and Culture

Synopsis

This is the first volume in the trilogy 'Many Peaces' on transrational peace and elicitive conflict transformation. It proposes an innovative analysis of peace interpretations in global history and contemporary cultures of peace, the so-called five families of energetic, moral, modern, post-modern, and transrational.

Summary

Chapter 1: Ancient Civilizations and the Concept of Peace

* Summary: Explores the origins of the concept of peace in ancient civilizations, such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece.
* Real Example: The Code of Hammurabi (c. 1754 BCE) in ancient Mesopotamia emphasizes justice, order, and the avoidance of violence.

Chapter 2: Peace in the Abrahamic Traditions

* Summary: Examines the role of peace in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, focusing on religious texts and teachings.
* Real Example: The Ten Commandments in the Old Testament include the injunction "Thou shalt not kill," emphasizing the importance of protecting life.

Chapter 3: Peace in Classical Greece and Rome

* Summary: Analyzes the philosophical and political conceptions of peace in ancient Greece and Rome, including the ideas of Plato and Aristotle.
* Real Example: The Peace of Nicias (421 BCE) between Athens and Sparta, which attempted to end the Peloponnesian War.

Chapter 4: Medieval and Renaissance Visions of Peace

* Summary: Explores the influence of Christianity and humanism on medieval and Renaissance notions of peace, including the concept of the "just war."
* Real Example: The Truce of God (989 CE), a movement aimed at reducing violence and promoting peace in medieval Europe.

Chapter 5: Enlightenment and the Scientific Revolution

* Summary: Discusses the impact of Enlightenment ideas on the pursuit of peace, emphasizing the role of reason and natural law.
* Real Example: The writings of Immanuel Kant, who argued for a "perpetual peace" based on international cooperation and universal law.

Chapter 6: Peace in the Modern Era

* Summary: Examines the concept of peace in the 19th and 20th centuries, focusing on the rise of nationalism, the Industrial Revolution, and the two World Wars.
* Real Example: The Kellogg-Briand Pact (1928), which renounced war as an instrument of national policy.

Chapter 7: Peace and Conflict in the 21st Century

* Summary: Explores contemporary interpretations of peace in the face of ongoing conflicts, globalization, and environmental challenges.
* Real Example: The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (2015), which include the goal of "peace, justice, and strong institutions."

Chapter 8: The Future of Peace

* Summary: Considers the prospects for peace in the coming decades, focusing on the role of education, technology, and global cooperation.
* Real Example: The UN's "Peacebuilding Fund" (2006), which supports initiatives aimed at preventing and mitigating conflict.