What is Peace Work?

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Throughout most of recorded history, eminent people have inspired us by speaking of and promoting peace. Albert Einstein reminded us that "Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding." Eleanor Roosevelt told us that "It isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it. One must work at it."

In reality, “Working at it,” requires passion, drive, knowledge, experience and skills only a peace school can offer. It’s not just about ending unwanted situations, but about constructing new patterns, processes and structures that foster lasting peace. 

We invite you to explore the concept of peace work, the essential components of peacebuilding and how you can become a leader in a field that needs you.

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POSITIVE PEACE VS. NEGATIVE PEACE

First formulated by Galtung, the definitions of positive and negative peace by the Institute for Economics & Peace and their focus on positive peace are consistent with Lederach’s broad approach.

Negative Peace vs. Positive Peace
Violence

Negative peace: the absence of violence or fear of violence.

Negative peace is used to refer to the cessation of violent acts. This approach was inspired by the twin definitions of health. Negative health is curative whereas positive health is preventative. In the same way, relative to violence, negative peace is curative whereas positive peace is preventative.

Positive peace: the presence of attitudes, institutions and structures that create and sustain peaceful societies.

Positive peace is peace that is just and sustainable. Positive peace is the ultimate goal of peace work, as it aims to ensure that societies have the conditions in which all people can thrive. Developing social cohesion, relationships across groups and trust in institutions are all required for positive peace. After violence has ended, positive peace can only be achieved through rebuilding and social cooperation between sides previously in conflict.

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WHAT IS PEACE?

Peace may seem like a simple, black-and-white issue; either it exists, or it doesn’t. However, the reality is that peace is multifaceted and layered, and depends heavily on the perspectives and experiences of individuals or groups.

In short, peace is neither easily summarized nor is it easily sustained.

Historically, the term “peacebuilding,” or the work it takes to bring about and maintain peace, was first introduced in 1975 by Johan Galtung. John Paul Lederach later broadened the term to mean, “a comprehensive concept that encompasses, generates, and sustains the full array of processes, approaches, and stages needed to transform conflict toward more sustainable, peaceful relationships.” Peacebuilding both precedes and follows formal peace accords, yet it’s not a phase or condition, but a dynamic continuum of socially constructed transformations.

 

ELEMENTS OF PEACE
Studies Theory

Peace studies theory encompasses various theories that contribute to our understanding of how peace can be achieved and maintained.


Three significant theories often discussed are peacemaking, peace enforcement and peacebuilding.

Peacemaking:
Conflict takes no holidays and can appear at any moment. Peacemakers are the professionals who work to bring conflicting parties together at the bargaining table so they can reach a negotiated settlement.

 

Peace Enforcement:
When conflict has progressed to the point of violence, organizations like the The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) may approve coercive measures that can include military force. Restoring peace and security in the combative regions is the goal of peace enforcement.

Peacebuilding:
This may be the most productive example of peace work, but it's also one of the most difficult to achieve. Peacebuilding lays the foundation for positive peace. It strengthens the parties in conflict by shoring up national capacities that lay the foundation for sustainable peace.

According to the United Nations, peacebuilding “…is a complex, long-term process of creating the necessary conditions for sustainable peace. Peacebuilding measures address core issues that affect the functioning of society and the State and seek to enhance the capacity of the State to carry out its core functions effectively and legitimately.”

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AN INTRODUCTION TO PEACE WORK AND PEACEBUILDING

Any survey of peace work is likely to include terms such as conflict prevention, mediation, conciliation, peacemaking, peacekeeping and peace enforcement.
Each of these represents an aspect of peace work, and they are mutually reinforcing. Peace workers achieve the best outcomes when these activities are performed together to address the root causes of conflict and thereby reduce the risk of conflict recurring.

Conflict prevention
involves proactively identifying and addressing potential sources of conflict before they escalate into violence, thus laying the groundwork for long-term peace and stability.

Mediation
serves as a method of conflict resolution, involving the assistance of a neutral third party in facilitating negotiations and dialogue between conflicting parties to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.

Peacekeeping
involves the deployment of impartial military or civilian missions to support the implementation of peace agreements and maintain peace in post-conflict environments, often with a focus on protecting civilians.

Peacemaking
focuses on actively negotiating and brokering peace agreements between conflicting parties to bring an end to the violence and establish a framework for long-term peace.

 

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EXAMPLES OF PEACE WORK IN THE WORLD TODAY

Scholars and peace workers have defined peace work in a variety of ways. The Strategic Peacebuilding Pathways model put forth by John Paul Lederach and Katie Mansfield is one of many models, and it stands alongside those from the United States Institute of Peace, the United Nations and others. However, no matter which definition one prefers, all of them identify at least these three outcomes peace workers strive for.

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But initiatives for peace can be found everywhere. In this way, we can see how many areas of our world need us, but we can also see the people who step up
to respond:

Transitional Justice Initiatives: Organizations such as the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) work to address past human rights violations and promote restorative justice in post-conflict societies. Through truth and reconciliation processes, reparations programs and institutional reform, they aim to heal societal wounds and establish a foundation for lasting peace.

Community-Based Conflict Resolution: Local peacebuilding organizations often focus on facilitating dialogue, mediation and reconciliation at the community level. These initiatives play a critical role in addressing grievances, rebuilding trust and fostering social cohesion within conflict-affected communities.

Restorative Justice and Reintegration Programs: Efforts to reintegrate former combatants into society and provide opportunities for rehabilitation and reconciliation are integral to the peace process. Organizations working in this area contribute to healing and rebuilding social bonds, reducing the risk of renewed violence.

Interfaith and Interethnic Dialogue: Promoting understanding and cooperation among diverse religious and ethnic communities is crucial for building peaceful and inclusive societies. Initiatives that foster dialogue and collaboration across religious and cultural divides contribute to social harmony and conflict prevention.

CAREERS IN PEACE

Peace and justice professionals are needed in a variety of sectors and at institutions around the world. Salaries and growth opportunities depend on the scale of the organization, the job market where the organization is located, and its funding sources, among other factors. There may be differences between salaries in international organizations and national and local nonprofits. There are also many pathways for moving between sectors, from the local to the international or from the government to the NGO sector.

PEACE EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

The Kroc School of Peace Studies at the University of San Diego offers a range of academic programs that empower you to become an effective peacebuilder and agent of positive social change.

Start Your Path to Becoming a Peace Worker

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Peace studies is a crucial field that aims to promote understanding, nonviolence and sustainable peace in our world challenged by conflicts and social injustices. 

Pursuing a career in peace work is not only intellectually stimulating but also deeply rewarding; it allows you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others and contribute to creating a more just and peaceful world.


While the challenges facing our global community may seem daunting, each of us has the power to play a role in creating positive change. Whether through direct involvement in conflict resolution initiatives, advocacy efforts or community-based peacebuilding projects, every action counts.


If you're unsure which path to take, take our quiz to help explore your interests and find the program that best aligns with your goals!

If you have any questions about the Kroc School's programs or the admissions process, we can help! Schedule a time to speak with an admissions counselor or request more information about the school or a specific program.

 

The Kroc School of Peace Studies at the University of San Diego is committed to empowering the next generation of peacebuilders and social innovators, and our programs offer a unique opportunity to be part of this transformative mission!