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Principles of Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution. All people desire to live in a world of peace and harmony. Buddha. “We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.”. Conflict Begins within the Individual. Selfishness. Unselfishness.
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Buddha “We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.”
Conflict Begins within the Individual. Selfishness Unselfishness
UNESCO Constitution “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed.” Preamble 5
Dual Purposes Whole Purpose Mind Body Self Purpose
Selfishness Lust Arrogance Exploitation Living only for oneself Vengeance Prejudice Greed Basis for conflict
Unselfishness Self-control Humility Service Living for others Fairness Forgiveness Generosity Basis for harmony
Nelson Mandela “The first thing is to be honest with yourself. You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself.”
Sources of Conflict • Spiritual sources of conflict Result of original ancestor’s separation from God and negative influence from evil spiritual forces • Individual sources of conflict Disunity within the individual and confusion of values • Family sources of conflict Family dysfunctions affect succeeding generations. • National/international sources of conflict National policies affect future generations and can lead to conflict within or between nations.
Historical Sources of National Conflict • National crimes burden future generations. • US Civil War • Ethnic/religious resentments accumulate. • Balkan conflicts
Individual Choice:To resolve or repeat past conflicts Past Each person passes on either the problem or the solution. Future
Does Fighting Resolve Conflict? Fighting can be necessary • For self-defense • To defend the weak Fighting does not resolve conflict • Defeating an enemy does not answer his grievances or end his hatred. • The defeated are tempted to seek revenge.
Results of World War I Left: General Ferdinand Foch (2nd from right) at German surrender in Compeigne forest near Paris Above: Adolf Hitler (with hand on hip) visiting the site of the German surrender, June 22, 1940
Results of World War II George C. Marshall and the Marshall Plan 15
Basis for Conflict Resolution Indemnity conditions: Efforts to reverse the process by which the original harmony was lost. State of Harmony Lost Restored State of Conflict
Restoration of Conflict Loving Relationship Right Unselfishness Broken Relationship Selfishness Wrong
Steps in Conflict Resolution Step 1. Self reflection & reorientation • Consider how one might have dealt with the problem differently. • Take responsibility for one’s contribution to the conflict.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “We never get rid of an enemy by meeting hate with hate; we get rid of an enemy by getting rid of enmity.”
Steps in Conflict Resolution Step 2. Reversal & restitution • Address whatever caused the other to feel hurt and violated. • Be open to efforts to reconcile. • Seek to correct injustices.
Steps in Conflict Resolution Step 3. Reconciliation & renewal • Give up claim for retaliation. • Forgive and be open to receive forgiveness. • Resolve to help the other to change. • Foster good will.
Actions That Lead to Peace Humility: - Admitting to not always being right - Being open to learn from others Generosity:- Giving beyond convenience - Giving unconditionally, without expectation of return Service: - Showing acts of caring to meet others’ needs - Respecting the dignity of the recipient - Reversing exploitation through service
Greatest Act of Love: Winning over one’s enemy Giving even to those who have done one harm • Converts the enemy into a friend. • Reverses ancient patterns of abuse and revenge.
Jesus Christ “I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:44-46
Islam “My Lord, who is the greatest of Thy servants in Thy estimation?” “The one who forgives when he is in a position of power.” Hadith of Baihaqi 25
What Is Needed? Leadership centered on true love Ambassadors for Peace
Attitude of an Ambassador for Peace • Show concern for both sides. • Affirm the value of both sides. • Gain trust from both sides that each is being treated fairly. • Aim for a win-win outcome. • Guide both sides beyond blame and accusation.
Mediation Skills: Towards the Offender • Help the offender accept responsibility. • Encourage admission of wrong. • Help the offender accept the challenge of reconciliation. • Avoid labeling and blaming. • Praise and offer a second chance.
Mediation Skills: Towards the Offended • Help the offended forgive and release grudges. • Help the offended recognize own faults. • Help the offended to accept an apology. • Foster harmony and friendship with the offender.
Promoting Peace and Reconciliation • Service programs • Sports competitions • Cultural programs • Dialogue between religions • Women as peacemakers
Mahatma Gandhi “When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won.”
Anwar Sadat “Any life that is lost in war is a human life, be it that of an Arab or Israeli. Innocent children who are deprived of the care and compassion of their parents are ours. They are ours, be they living on Arab or Israeli land.” Speech to the Israeli Knesset
Rev. Sun Myung Moon “The reason why God does not punish an enemy is that He is thinking of the enemy’s parents, wife and children who all love him. When you understand that heart of God, could you take revenge on your enemy?”