Exploring the Power of Relationships in Achieving Peace
Peacebuilding can often seem like a vast and overwhelming task, where large-scale strategies dominated by political leaders take center stage. Yet, in “Relational Peace Practices,” Anna Jarstad, Johanna Söderstrom, and Malin Åkebo argue that peace can also be fostered in surprising, intimate settings—sometimes between just two individuals.
A Closer Look at Relational Peace
The book is a collection of engrossing case studies exploring a fresh perspective on peace—one achieved through social dyads or one-on-one relationships. It discusses how interactions characterized by deliberation, cooperation, and non-domination can contribute to peace, even in regions embroiled in long-standing conflict, such as Cyprus, Colombia, and Sri Lanka.
Spotlight on Dyads: Peace’s Unsung Heroes
These dyads often include unforeseen relationships, such as between victims and perpetrators. The case study from Colombia showcases how such connections can create groundbreaking alliances, leading towards reconciliation and peace. Interestingly, these micro-level interactions have the potential to ripple through society, offering a demonstration effect that can encourage peaceful behavior more broadly.
From Academic Frameworks to Real-World Implications
While the book delves deeply into the mechanics of relational peace, it acknowledges the complexity of factors at play. One notable limitation is the lack of focus on which dyads are strategically valuable for sustainable peace. Not all relationships will yield peace-promoting results; understanding the impact and potential of specific relationships is crucial.
Addressing the Bigger Picture
The framework provokes thoughtful questions about the role of power and influence within dyads and society. Can small, meaningful interactions underpin societal peace in broader contexts? The roles of external actors in either fostering or impeding dyads are also scrutinized, examining when interventions are effective or counterproductive.
Inspiring New Thought in Peace Research
“Relational Peace Practices” challenges the conventional dichotomy of positive vs. negative peace and places emphasis on the agency and potential found within individual relationships. As it enriches peace studies with its nuanced examination of relational dynamics, this book is a call to explore how personal interactions can indeed be powerful tools for lasting peace. It positions itself not just as a theoretical investigation but as an inspiring manual for policymakers and practitioners alike.
For policymakers and peace practitioners, this insightful tome bridges academic research with real-world application, urging the exploration of these unexpected spaces of peace.
Angelika Rettberg
A luminary in peace research, Angelika Rettberg brings her profound knowledge of the political economy of armed conflict and peacebuilding to the forefront in reviewing this groundbreaking exploration of peace. Her expertise guides readers through the layered complexities and opportunities within these unique peacebuilding strategies.
