Central theme

PEACE, A PROCESS

Peace is a complex concept that can take on different meanings depending on the context and the perspective adopted. Here are some possible definitions of this central concept for the Radio Coalition for Peace in Madagascar.

In the dictionary, peace is :

  • Absence of conflict, war, violence
  • Treaty that puts an end to an armed conflict. Ex. Peace was signed on 11 November 1918
  • Quietness, calm. Ex. Living in peace.
  • From the Latin "pax" = a state of calm, tranquillity, an absence of disturbance, agitation or conflict.
  • A social and political ideal

Socilogically, Peace is :

  • The friendly understanding of all the individuals who make up a society.
  • A systematically calm and measured resolution of any difficulties arising in community life, mainly through dialogue.
  • The "peace village" between Israelis and Palestinians

Psychologically, peace =

  • The state of a placid and serene mind with enthusiastic and positive feelings.
  • It is therefore desired for oneself and eventually for others, to the point of becoming a greeting (Pax vobis in Latin, peace be upon you, salaam in Arabic, shalom in Hebrew), Amahoro, in Kirundi, the mother tongue of Burundians.
  • Peace is an activity, not a passivity. It is a commitment that is practiced every day in all our interactions.
  • Being a passive bystander to the violent interactions of others kills peace. Remaining passive sends the wrong signal. It allows the violent to increase the violence.
  • It is by forming a counterbalance, a majority, where peace prevails in human interactions, that we can make the "violent" question themselves and awaken them to their best selves.
  • By remaining passive, one disassociates oneself from this counterbalancing effort, one chooses the violence of others, even if one is the gentlest of beings.

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