Chapter 9: Peace

What is peace?
Peace is the absence of violence, conflict, or war, and the presence of harmony, justice, and mutual understanding in society.

What are the types of peace?

Negative Peace – Absence of violence or war

Positive Peace – Presence of justice, equality, and cooperation

Why is peace important?
Peace promotes stability, human development, protection of rights, economic growth, and overall well-being.

What is structural violence?
It refers to social structures that harm people by preventing them from meeting basic needs (e.g., poverty, inequality).

What is direct violence?
It includes physical harm like war, assault, riots, and terrorism, usually visible and immediate.

What is cultural violence?
It refers to cultural norms, traditions, or ideologies that justify or legitimize violence (e.g., caste hierarchy, gender bias).

What is the role of the state in maintaining peace?
The state ensures law and order, protects citizens’ rights, resolves conflicts, and promotes justice and welfare.

How is peace different from silence or fear?
True peace is built on justice and dignity, not fear or suppression. Silence under oppression is not real peace.

What is conflict resolution?
It is the process of finding peaceful solutions to disagreements or disputes through dialogue, mediation, or negotiation.

What is non-violence?
Non-violence means resolving conflicts without physical force, using truth, dialogue, and patience. It is a core principle of Gandhi.

Who is known for promoting non-violence?
Mahatma Gandhi, who led India’s freedom movement through peaceful protest and the philosophy of Ahimsa (non-violence).

What is Ahimsa?
An ancient Indian principle of non-violence and respect for all living beings, central to Gandhian thought.

What are peace movements?
People’s campaigns aimed at promoting disarmament, environmental protection, social justice, and non-violent conflict resolution.

What is peacebuilding?
Efforts to establish sustainable peace by addressing root causes of conflict, rebuilding institutions, and promoting reconciliation.

What is the role of the United Nations in peace?
The UN promotes global peace through peacekeeping, diplomacy, conflict resolution, and humanitarian assistance.

What are the causes of violence?
Poverty, inequality, injustice, discrimination, intolerance, and political or religious extremism.

What is the role of education in promoting peace?
Education teaches tolerance, empathy, conflict resolution, and respect for diversity, creating a culture of peace.

How does economic inequality affect peace?
It creates resentment and unrest. Without equal opportunities, people may turn to violence or rebellion.

What is the importance of dialogue in peace?
Dialogue helps resolve misunderstandings, promotes empathy, and builds trust between conflicting groups.

What is reconciliation?
It is the process of restoring friendly relations after conflict by forgiving, understanding, and addressing past harms.

What is the role of religion in peace?
Most religions promote values of love, compassion, and harmony, but misuse of religion can also incite violence.

How can media promote peace?
By reporting responsibly, avoiding hate speech, and encouraging conversations on justice, rights, and unity.

What is the role of individuals in peacebuilding?
Every person can promote peace through kindness, non-violence, respecting others, and standing against injustice.

What is terrorism?
Terrorism is the use of violence to create fear and achieve political or ideological goals.

How does war affect humanity?
War causes loss of life, destruction of property, displacement, economic damage, and emotional trauma.

What is the connection between justice and peace?
Without justice, peace cannot be real or lasting. Addressing inequality and rights is essential for sustainable peace.

What is peace education?
It is teaching values, attitudes, and skills that help prevent conflict and promote harmony and cooperation.

What is the role of international cooperation in peace?
Nations must work together to resolve global conflicts, promote disarmament, and fight poverty and injustice.

What is disarmament?
Reducing or eliminating weapons to prevent war and promote global security.

What is a culture of peace?
A set of values, attitudes, and behaviors that reject violence and promote understanding, cooperation, and respect for all.