Session 23: War or Peace?

 Before considering alternative approaches to peace, there are several factors that affect war and peace in the modern world. They include the threat of nuclear war, the terrible consequences of conventional war, the enormous costs associated with arms races, the serious problems presented by the very structure of the nation-state system, the unprecedented war on terrorism being led by the United States, and the weaknesses demonstrated by the United Nations.
Adapting down listed Six approaches can lead to a more peaceful world order, it may not fully incorporate all the aspects but it is still a very pragmatic approach.
First, a new balance of power should be achieved. Only power can balance power; only strength can deter or defeat aggression. Current trends in the international system reflect the enormous power of the United States--a near uni-polar condition. But this may not last for long, and a new balance of power may well emerge.
Second, United Nations’ third-party activities cover a wide range of techniques including good offices, conciliation, investigation, mediation, arbitration, observation, truce supervision, and peacekeeping. The ending of the Cold War has profoundly affected the United Nations, and this is most evident in the UN Security Council, where, since the Cold War’s end, it has been far easier to gain consensus on issues. Perhaps this development provides a new hope for the quest for peace.
Third, collective security must be considered as an additional avenue for peace. It involves an agreement among states, usually within the context of an international organization like the United Nations, to protect each other from aggression by fellow member signatories to the agreement.
Fourth, global economic integration provides another alternative for dealing with war. Groups of states, either at the regional or even on a global level, dramatically increase their economic interaction--in trade, finance, transportation, communication, to the point where the separate national economies become more interdependent. The more integrated and interdependent economies become, the higher the cost to be paid for engaging in violent conflict.
Fifth, Functionalism is a theory positing that the world would be better off if it were organized around the fulfillment of basic human needs such as food, water, shelter, health delivery, environmental health, and communication. Those who endorse this approach maintain that human beings will move toward world peace if functional organizations can better meet common needs and advance mutual interests. With increased powers, funds, and activities, and by grappling with common problems, these organizations can build a trusting global community.
Finally, advocates of nonviolent civilian defense maintain that a breakthrough to a more peaceful world order can be achieved only if nonviolence is seriously considered. Nonviolent action is defined as various forms of protest and noncooperation without physical violence.