“Peace is not simply the absence of war. It is not a passive state of being.
We must Wage Peace, as vigilantly as we wage war.” — the 14th Dalai Lama
Waging Peace begins with the diversion of resources and efforts away from war and conflict and redirecting them towards diplomacy and peace-building.
Keys to the Policy of Waging Peace:
- Resource Reallocation: The core of Waging Peace is the reallocation of resources that are dedicated to military spending towards diplomatic efforts, conflict prevention, and peace-building. By reducing military budgets and increasing investments in diplomacy, development, and conflict resolution, countries can work to address the root causes of conflict and promote long-term stability.
- Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution: Investing in diplomacy means enhancing diplomatic efforts and negotiations to prevent conflicts and resolve existing disputes peacefully. Diplomatic negotiations can help avert war, reduce tensions, and promote cooperation among nations.
- Conflict Prevention: Waging Peace also emphasizes the importance of addressing the underlying causes of conflicts, such as socio-economic disparities, political instability, and ethnic or religious tensions. By addressing these root causes, countries can work to prevent conflicts before they escalate into violence.
- Immigration Policy: The mention of immigration policy stressing safety in violence-ridden emigré (emigrant) countries suggests a humanitarian approach to immigration. Rather than solely focusing on border security and deterrence, this approach prioritizes the safety and well-being of people fleeing conflict and violence. It may involve offering refuge, asylum, or other forms of assistance to those in need.
- Mutual Prosperity: Diverting war budgets towards economic development, infrastructure, and other areas can contribute to mutual prosperity. Investing in areas such as education, healthcare, and job creation not only improves the quality of life for citizens but also helps create a more stable and peaceful world.
- Multilateral Cooperation: Achieving the goals of Waging Peace often requires cooperation with other nations, international organizations, and multinational corporations. Multilateral diplomacy and collaborative efforts can be instrumental in resolving conflicts, building peace, and addressing global challenges.
- Public Awareness and Advocacy:Waging Peace requires global public awareness campaigns and advocacy efforts. Civil society organizations, activists, and concerned citizens can play a significant role in pushing for policies that prioritize peace and diplomacy locally and internationally.
Waging Peace will be complex and challenging, as it involves shifting entrenched policies, priorities, budget allocations, and understanding of human nature. Additionally, there will be varying perspectives on the most effective strategies to achieve peace. Nevertheless, Waging Peace emphasizes the importance of peaceful coexistence, diplomacy, and addressing the root causes of conflict as essential components of a more secure and prosperous world.