THE FUTURE OF WORLD PEACE:
is there any good news?

It is a very human trait to think things have never been so bad. We conveniently forget war atrocities of the past and that globally we are making great strides towards world peace. Increasing rates of literacy, education and the global information age mean more people than ever are making the important shift of perception from being a member of a particular country, to being a global citizen. The capacity for group-oriented violence falls as we see ourselves less as members of a tribe, ethnic group, nation or 'race'.

World peace is a rapidly spreading concept that had virtually no followers a mere century ago. Today an increasing number of politicians, philosophers, activists and everyday people believe world peace is something desirable and hopefully essential.

The multi-causal nature of war means that its eradication will many types of solutions and time. But we can each play our part towards a goal of world peace. Make your contribution and check out what you can do to play your part.

Remember examples from the past, like the Zuni of the south-west USA, the Kung bushmen of the Kalahari, the Arapesh of New Guinea, the Xingo of Brazil, the Semai of Malaysia, and the Buid of Mindoro. These societies seem to have an anti-violence value system which accepts the possibility of violence amongst its members, but stigmatizes quarrelling, boasting, anger and violence, and accords prestige for generosity, gentleness and conflict avoidance. Their cosmology, rituals and legends support the value system by beliefs in which helpful spirits are opposed by malevolent ones who prey upon men. Institutions for resolving disputes are prominent. The peacefulness of the ingroup is contrasted with the belligerence and sub-human nature of outsiders.