Volume 2, Issue 3
In this issue, we examine research that helps us rethink our assumptions about security, violence, and development, urging us to look at these notions from the perspectives of those being “secured.” Next, by looking at a study on levels of short- and long-term quality of life after military intervention, we highlight additional perspectives on how war harms civilians—and offer viable nonviolent alternatives to military intervention. Through the examination of local entrepreneurship and peacebuilding in post-war Sri Lanka, we learn about effective economic development programs that empower business owners and provide sustainable, local avenues to economic security. In the next analysis, we consider two different studies—one on Nigerian responses to Boko Haram and MEND in Nigeria and one on Kenya’s responses to Al-Shabaab. The studies underscore the counterproductive effects of military counterterrorism strategies in sub-Saharan Africa. Finally, we look at college-level experiential learning activities and their utility in helping students internalize abstract theoretical concepts related to global complexity and conflict, helping them become more effective conflict resolution practitioners.
Special Issue: Nonviolent Resistance
In this Special Issue, we culled through recent scholarship on nonviolent resistance (also called civil resistance or nonviolent struggle) to find research that would be most useful for thinking through strategic questions, research with the clearest implications for organizing. From Standing Rock to Sweden, from Ferguson to the West Bank, join us in exploring how to employ humor in nonviolent movements, recognize diversity and privilege in transnational anti-occupation activism, sustain a broad-based struggle against racism and police violence, leverage Indigenous treaty rights to struggle against environmental exploitation, and withstand “smart” repression.
Foreign Policy and Security Issues in the Trump administration
Executive Summary: Since the election of Donald Trump to the U.S. Presidency, the peace advocacy community has grown increasingly worried and has recognized an urgency to respond. The campaign promises, if kept, will be harmful to the people and planet.
Volume 2, Issue 2
Inside this issue, you will find analysis of research highlighting the use of preventive diplomacy in Southeast Asia and how regional and international organizations can contribute to conflict resolution. We provide insights on the factors that influence public opinion on war and defense spending. We discuss key motivations behind domestic right-wing terrorism as well as a fascinating study on reasons why people leave terrorist organizations. Finally, we look at the evolution of armed United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Military Draft, Inequality, and War Support
Instituting a draft would decrease support for war efforts, as it would leave fewer people insulated from the costs of war.
Mediation Techniques for Intergroup Conflicts
During mediation, perspective-taking may lead to more positive feelings towards the other party, due increased empathy and the feeling of being heard.
Volume 2, Issue 1
In this issue, we offer analysis on mediation techniques for intergroup conflicts with specific implications on the tensions surrounding the refugee/immigrant populations. By looking at a study re-visiting military draft and inequality, we offer contemporary perspectives on war support. The examination of religious peacebuilding in Sierra Leone offers insights into how religious actors can leverage their role in societies to constructively transform conflict. In a further study, we look at peace journalism and media ethics. In a time when the term “fake news” is used for almost anything that challenges the administration, peace journalism can play a radical role in speaking up against the status quo. Finally, we look at alliances and their role in multiparty wars. This is of relevance, given the controversial role NATO plays in the current tensions between the U.S. and Russia.
War Prevention Initiative Considers Executive Order Limiting Refugees Into the U.S. Inhumane, Misguided and Counterproductive
War Prevention Initiative Considers Executive Order Limiting Refugees Into the U.S. Inhumane, Misguided and Counterproductive FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, January 30 2017 PORTLAND, OR – Citing concerns over national security and the threat of terrorism, President Trump signed an Executive Order on January 27, 2017, indefinitely barring Syrian refugees from entering the United States, … Read more
Volume 1, Issue 6
This issue’s articles illustrate the necessity of highlighting the alternatives to war and violence, and proving that these alternatives are indeed available. However, we are not naïve—we are facing challenging political times. Given the uncertainties of U.S. foreign and domestic policy ahead of us, it becomes even more important to pro-actively challenge war and violence prone rhetoric and action by pointing to demonstrable more effective and less costly alternatives. Peace Science tells us that we certainly do not need a new (nuclear) arms race.
Volume 1, Issue 5
Inside this issue, we provide relevant research examining multiple lenses of war prevention and the viable
nonviolent alternatives: how domestic protests influence coups; oil, terrorism and insurgency in the
Middle East and North Africa; democracy, human rights and terrorism as possible motives for U.S. military
intervention; the uneven distribution of civilian casualties, politics, and public support for Israel; and how
nonviolent resistance contributes to strong democracies.
Measuring Peace
Measuring Peace: Using metrics of peace to transform conflict, alleviate human suffering, and address global poverty
