Handbook of Research
on Examining Global
Peacemaking in the
Digital Age
Bruce L. Cook
Chicago ORT Technical Institute, USA
Published in the United States of America by IGI Global
Information Science Reference (an imprint of IGI Global) 701 E. Chocolate Avenue
Hershey PA, USA 17033 Tel: 717-533-8845 Fax: 717-533-8661 E-mail: cust@igi-global.com Web site: http://www.igi-global.com
Copyright © 2018 by IGI Global. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or distributed in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without written permission from the publisher. Product or company names used in this set are for identification purposes only. Inclusion of the names of the products or companies does not indicate a claim of ownership by IGI Global of the trademark or registered trademark.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
British Cataloguing in Publication Data
A Cataloguing in Publication record for this book is available from the British Library.
All work contributed to this book is new, previously-unpublished material. The views expressed in this book are those of the authors, but not necessarily of the publisher.
For electronic access to this publication, please contact: eresources@igi-global.com. Names: Cook, Bruce L., 1942- editor.
Title: Handbook of research on examining global peacemaking in the digital age / Bruce L. Cook, editor.
Description: Hershey PA : Information Science Reference, [2018]
Identifiers: LCCN 2017012048| ISBN 9781522530329 (hardcover) | ISBN 9781522530336 (ebook)
Subjects: LCSH: Peace-building--Technological innovations. | Peacekeeping forces.
Classification: LCC JZ5538 .H363 2018 | DDC 327.1/72--dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2017012048
Advances in Public Policy and
Administration (APPA) Book
Series
Proper management of the public sphere is necessary in order to maintain order in modern society.
Re-search developments in the field of public policy and administration can assist in uncovering the latest
tools, practices, and methodologies for governing societies around the world.
The Advances in Public Policy and Administration (APPA) Book Series aims to publish
schol-arly publications focused on topics pertaining to the governance of the public domain. APPA’s focus on
timely topics relating to government, public funding, politics, public safety, policy, and law enforcement
is particularly relevant to academicians, government officials, and upper-level students seeking the most
up-to-date research in their field.
Mission
G. David Garson
North Carolina State University, USA
ISSN:2475-6644
EISSN:2475-6652
• Government • Law enforcement • Political Economy • Politics
• Public Administration • Public Funding • Public Policy • Resource allocation • Urban Planning
Coverage
IGI Global is currently accepting manuscripts for publication within this series. To submit a pro-posal for a volume in this series, please contact our Acquisition Editors at Acquisitions@igi-global.com or visit: http://www.igi-global.com/publish/.
Titles in this Series
For a list of additional titles in this series, please visit: www.igi-global.com/book-series
Establishing Food Security and Alternatives to International Trade in Emerging Economies Vasily Erokhin (Harbin Engineering University, China)
Business Science Reference • copyright 2018 • 406pp • H/C (ISBN: 9781522527336) • US $195.00 (our price) Smart Technologies for Emergency Response and Disaster Management
Zhi Liu (Waseda University, Japan) and Kaoru Ota (Muroran Institute of Technology, Japan)
Information Science Reference • copyright 2018 • 312pp • H/C (ISBN: 9781522525752) • US $225.00 (our price) Driving Efficiency in Local Government Using a Collaborative Enterprise Architecture Framework Emerging Research and Opportunities
Amit Tiwary (Principal Enterprise Architect, Australia)
Information Science Reference • copyright 2017 • 150pp • H/C (ISBN: 9781522524076) • US $120.00 (our price) Impacts of Faith-Based Decision Making on the Individual-Level Legislative Process Emerging Research and Opportunities
Karla Drenner (Kaplan University, USA)
Information Science Reference • copyright 2017 • 186pp • H/C (ISBN: 9781522523888) • US $120.00 (our price) Handbook of Research on Emerging Business Models and Managerial Strategies in the Nonprofit Sector Lindy Lou West (Griffith University, Australia) and Andrew Worthington (Griffith University, Australia) Business Science Reference • copyright 2017 • 509pp • H/C (ISBN: 9781522525370) • US $245.00 (our price) Ideological Messaging and the Role of Political Literature
Önder Çakırtaş (Bingol University, Turkey)
Information Science Reference • copyright 2017 • 317pp • H/C (ISBN: 9781522523918) • US $175.00 (our price) Therapeutic Jurisprudence and Overcoming Violence Against Women
Debarati Halder (Centre for Cyber Victim Counselling (CCVC), India & Unitedworld School of Law, India) and K. Jaishankar (Raksha Shakti University, India)
Information Science Reference • copyright 2017 • 344pp • H/C (ISBN: 9781522524724) • US $230.00 (our price) Public Sector Entrepreneurship and the Integration of Innovative Business Models
Mateusz Lewandowski (Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland) and Barbara Kożuch (Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland)
Business Science Reference • copyright 2017 • 309pp • H/C (ISBN: 9781522522157) • US $190.00 (our price)
Editorial Advisory Board
Maria Cristina Azcona, Worldwide Peace Organization, Argentina
George A. Barnett, University of California – Davis, USA
Harold W. Becker, The Love Foundation Inc., USA
Rais Neza Boneza, Transcend Global Network, Norway
Carol McPeak Brinjak, Point Park University, USA
Margaret Canary, Independent Researcher, USA
Kumar Dhal, Magadh University, India
Rachel Goldberg, DePauw University, USA
Ernesto Kahan, Tel Aviv University, Israel
Eralda Kanacevic, Oakton Community College, USA
Jang Hung Kim, Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea
Bob Kisiki, Literary RTI International, Uganda
Maximiliano Emanuel Korstanje, University of Palermo, Argentina
Muli wa Kyendo, Syokimau Cultural Centre, Kenya
Glen Martin, Radford University, USA
Ikbal Maulana, Indonesian Institute of Sciences Jakarta, Indonesia
Jeff Mikyska, Holy Trinity Church, USA
Mladen Milosevic, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Kenneth Mulholland, The Authorme Group, Australia
John Oryem, PEAL, South Sudan
Bishnu Pathak, Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons, Nepal
Surendra Kumar Pathak, IASE Deemed University, India
Bernie Phillips, Interdisciplinary Education Group, USA
Sapto Priyanto, Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia
Nenad Putnik, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Idhamsyah Eka Putra, Persada Indonesia University, Indonesia
James Ranney, Widener University School of Law, USA
Sunita Singh-Sengupta, University of Delhi, India
Gospava Risto Stojanović, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Ashok Chakravarthy Tholana, Independent Researcher, India
Laj Utreja, Institute of Spiritual Harmony, USA
List of Contributors
Abdosamadi, Ali / Islamic Azad University Central Tehran Branch, Iran ... 185
Arimbi, Reisa Suci / Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia ... 94
Ayoola-Amale, Ayo / First Conflict Resolution Services Inc., Ghana ... 211
Barnett, George A. / University of California – Davis, USA ... 145
Becker, Harold W. / The Love Foundation Inc., USA ... 372
Boneza, Rais Neza / TRANSCEND International, Norway ... 195
Brinjak, Carol McPeak / Point Park University, USA ... 324
Cook, Bruce L. / Chicago ORT Technical Institute, USA... 127
Cook, Bruce Lawrence / Chicago ORT Technical Institute, USA ... 202
Danamasi, Dimas Okto / Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia & Universitas Atma Jaya, Indonesia .... 94
Feng, Bo / University of California – Davis, USA ... 145
Gayatriprana, Sister / Independent Researcher, UK ... 257
Hellmich, Philip / The Shift Network, USA... 19
Holou, Roland / DiasporaEngager, USA ... 335
Jiang, Ke / University of California – Davis, USA ... 145
Johnson, Kurt / The Interspiritual Network, USA ... 19
Korstanje, Maximiliano Emanuel / University of Palermo, Argentina ... 169
Kumar, Dhal Pravat / Magadh University, India ... 284
Kyendo, Muli wa / Syokimau Cultural Centre, Kenya ... 350
Lee, Steven P. / Hobart and William Smith Colleges, USA ... 45
Mallawaarachchi, Chammika / University of Visual and Performing Arts, Sri Lanka ... 303
Martin, Glen T. / Radford University, USA ... 276
Martin, Glen Theron / Radford University, USA ... 361
Maulana, Ikbal / Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Indonesia ... 51
Meyerhof, Nina / City College of New York, USA ... 315
Milošević, Mladen / University of Belgrade, Serbia ... 1
Pathak, Bishnu / Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons, Nepal... 70
Priyanto, Sapto / Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia ... 94
Putnik, Nenad / University of Belgrade, Serbia ... 1
Putra, Idhamsyah Eka / Persada Indonesia University, Indonesia ... 94,243
Rufaedah, Any / Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia & Universitas Indonesia,
Indonesia ... 94,243
Seyfi, Murat / Gaziosmanpaşa University, Turkey ... 116
Shema, Claude R. / Cardiff University, UK ... 224
Stojanović, Gospava Risto / University of Belgrade, Serbia ... 30
Table of Contents
Foreword ... xxii
Preface ...xxiii
Acknowledgment ... xxxi
Section 1
The Problem of Peacemaking
Chapter 1
Trends in Peace Research: Can Cyber Détente Lead to Lasting Peace? ... 1
Nenad Putnik, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Mladen Milošević, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Chapter 2
Sacred and Secular Activists Are Now Joining Their Strategies for Peacebuilding ... 19
Philip Hellmich, The Shift Network, USA
Kurt Johnson, The Interspiritual Network, USA
Section 2
Main Threats to World Peace
Chapter 3
The Role of Education in Reducing the Threat of Nuclear War ... 30
Gospava Risto Stojanović, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Chapter 4
Minimizing the Danger of Nuclear Weapons ... 45
Steven P. Lee, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, USA
Chapter 5
Section 3
Social Actions as a Solution
Chapter 6
Process Documentation of Interfaith Peacebuilding Cycle: A Case Study From Nepal ... 70
Bishnu Pathak, Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons, Nepal
Chapter 7
Tackling Islamic Terrorism and Radicalism in Indonesia by Increasing the Sense of Humanity and
Friendship ... 94
Idhamsyah Eka Putra, Persada Indonesia University, Indonesia
Dimas Okto Danamasi, Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia & Universitas Atma Jaya,
Indonesia
Any Rufaedah, Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia & Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia
Reisa Suci Arimbi, Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia
Sapto Priyanto, Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia
Section 4
The Problem of Media
Chapter 8
Identity and Social Peace in the Digital World ... 116
Murat Seyfi, Gaziosmanpaşa University, Turkey
Chapter 9
Social Media and Peacemaking: A Snapshot of Literature... 127
Bruce L. Cook, Chicago ORT Technical Institute, USA
Chapter 10
Dynamic Co-Evolutions of Peace Frames in the United States, Mainland China, and Hong Kong:
A Semantic Network Analysis ... 145
Ke Jiang, University of California – Davis, USA
George A. Barnett, University of California – Davis, USA
Laramie D. Taylor, University of California – Davis, USA
Bo Feng, University of California – Davis, USA
Chapter 11
Mediating Death: The Role of Mass Media in Thana-Capitalism ... 169
Maximiliano Emanuel Korstanje, University of Palermo, Argentina
Chapter 12
Section 5
The Problem of Leadership
Chapter 13
From Negative Leadership to Healing Leadership: A Therapy Strategy to Remedy African
Instability ... 195
Rais Neza Boneza, TRANSCEND International, Norway
Chapter 14
Responsible Leadership and Peacemaking ... 202
Bruce Lawrence Cook, Chicago ORT Technical Institute, USA
Chapter 15
Women in Leadership: Why We Need More Women Leaders ... 211
Ayo Ayoola-Amale, First Conflict Resolution Services Inc., Ghana
Section 6
The Problem of Government Repression
Chapter 16
Peacebuilding, Media, and Terrorism in 21st Century and Beyond: A Psychological Perspective.... 224
Claude R. Shema, Cardiff University, UK
Chapter 17
Recognition, Apology, and Restoration of Indonesians’ Past Maltreatments of People Labeled as
Communists ... 243
Idhamsyah Eka Putra, Persada Indonesia University, Indonesia, Indonesia
Any Rufaedah, Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia & Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia
Section 7
The Problem of Religion
Chapter 18
Understanding Our Minds and How We Can Liberate Ourselves and Others From the Hex of the
Internet: A Vedantic Case Study ... 257
Sister Gayatriprana, Independent Researcher, UK
Section 8
Solutions for Peace in the Digital Age
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Education for a New Age: New Education for Establishing Peace and Harmony in the Globe ... 284
Dhal Pravat Kumar, Magadh University, India
Chapter 21
Importance of Classroom Settings in Educational Institutions to Promote Peacebuilding Through
a Specific Intended Learning Outcome ... 303
Chammika Mallawaarachchi, University of Visual and Performing Arts, Sri Lanka
Chapter 22
Soul Education for Children of the Earth ... 315
Nina Meyerhof, City College of New York, USA
Chapter 23
The Responsibility of Educators in Peacekeeping: A View From the USA ... 324
Carol McPeak Brinjak, Point Park University, USA
Chapter 24
International Diaspora Involvement in Peacemaking Through Social Media Like
DiasporaEngager ... 335
Roland Holou, DiasporaEngager, USA
Chapter 25
Interethnic Conflicts: Understanding the Important Role of Folktales ... 350
Muli wa Kyendo, Syokimau Cultural Centre, Kenya
Chapter 26
Gandhi’s Satyagraha and the Earth Constitution ... 361
Glen Theron Martin, Radford University, USA
Chapter 27
Understanding Our Potential for Love and Peace: A Phenomenological View ... 372
Harold W. Becker, The Love Foundation Inc., USA
Detailed Table of Contents
Foreword ... xxii
Preface ...xxiii
Acknowledgment ... xxxi
Section 1
The Problem of Peacemaking
Chapter 1
Trends in Peace Research: Can Cyber Détente Lead to Lasting Peace? ... 1
Nenad Putnik, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Mladen Milošević, University of Belgrade, Serbia
In this chapter, the authors discuss the phenomenon of interstate conflicts in cyber space. In the last twenty
years, this issue has become more explicit, and countries are making increasingly frequent mutual cyber
warfare and cyber espionage accusations. The political and military elite of conflicting countries perceive
the situation as very serious and are preparing not only for defending their segment of cyber space, but
for developing offensive strategies for cyber warfare, as well. The authors endeavor to contribute to
peace research by examining the possibilities for achieving cyber détente, the idea promoted by Henry
Kissinger in 2011. In this chapter, the authors identify and analyze problems whose solution should be
the focus of the States Parties to cyber détente: the question of denotation and potential desecuritization
of technical terms, the question of identification and classification of cyber threats and the problem of
the legal framework for their opposition. In addition, the authors give guidelines for their solution, based
on securitization theory.
Chapter 2
Sacred and Secular Activists Are Now Joining Their Strategies for Peacebuilding ... 19
Philip Hellmich, The Shift Network, USA
Kurt Johnson, The Interspiritual Network, USA
similar problems, such as poverty, corruption, or political manipulation. From there, it is possible to face
problems together instead of attacking each other. In essence, the approach was similar to a meditation
practice: help a person move beyond fear, expand their identity or consciousness, and experience a sense
of oneness or connection with other people and nature. This process opens people to their innate spiritual
potential and allows them to tap into collective creativity and possibly higher states of consciousness to
identify win-win solutions.
Section 2
Main Threats to World Peace
Chapter 3
The Role of Education in Reducing the Threat of Nuclear War ... 30
Gospava Risto Stojanović, University of Belgrade, Serbia
We are currently witnessing big problems and conflicts that plague our contemporary society. It is our
right and as well as obligation to ask ourselves whether mankind is in danger. Regardless of the fact
that a certain country does not possess nuclear weapons, it can be affected by consequences of a nuclear
attack. Therefore, the question of nuclear security is important for the whole international community.
In that sense, it is important to develop educative projects in the field of nuclear security in all countries,
through additional training of lecturers, both for university programs and faculties, as well as for training
that would be organized on different levels for various interested groups.
Chapter 4
Minimizing the Danger of Nuclear Weapons ... 45
Steven P. Lee, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, USA
Many of those concerned about global peace advocate a policy of nuclear disarmament in order to
eliminate the danger posed by these weapons. The logic is that eliminating the weapons would eliminate
the danger they pose. But I argue that these are separate goals, that eliminating the weapons would not
eliminate the danger, and in fact might make it worse. After the cold war, many thought that it was finally
possible to rid the world of nuclear weapons, but since 1991, the world has not moved substantially
towards this goal. The reason is that nuclear weapons create a security dilemma in which efforts to use
them to make societies safer, through the practice of nuclear deterrence, end up making them less safe.
This is because efforts (through minimum deterrence) to use them to avoid a deliberate nuclear attack
create risk of nuclear war by escalation, and efforts (through counterforce deterrence) to minimize the
risk of nuclear war by escalation, create the risk of deliberate nuclear attack. The way out of this dilemma
is through delegitimization of nuclear weapons.
Chapter 5
Mutual Understanding in the Age of Vulnerable Truth ... 51
Ikbal Maulana, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Indonesia
information is not always intended to inform or enlighten others, but also mislead and deceive them.
Despite the many problems arising from the utilization of ICT, this chapter suggests that technological
solutions should be developed to identify fake information and minimize its impacts, namely, by making
users more transparent, exposing them to different world views, and assisting them in identifying false
information. It also argues that education is essential to promote global mutual understanding.
Section 3
Social Actions as a Solution
Chapter 6
Process Documentation of Interfaith Peacebuilding Cycle: A Case Study From Nepal ... 70
Bishnu Pathak, Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons, Nepal
The concept of this study was to explicitly define the characteristics of Process Documentation (PD), a
unique type of record keeping system. The PD is a process of lessons learned-centric piloting approach
which is a neologism in Social Science research. The PD moves forward “anti-clock-wise” direction and
generally applies to humanitarian agencies in support, care and emergency relief programs to deliver
basic services to needy people. The PD was first used in the Philippines in 1978, but applied in Nepal
after peace accord 2007 to unite, reconcile and integrate the society through interfaith peacebuilding
(IP) initiatives. The objectives were to document the process of the IP and analyze change perceptions
contributing to transforming the ongoing conflict. The method led to interviews, storytelling, FGDs,
observation and participation. The PD of IP generally functions through End-to-End Lifecycle that is
organically similar to an ecosystem. Interfaith is not a religion, but a glorious art of symphony that makes
a passage for peace, harmony, co-existence and friendship.
Chapter 7
Tackling Islamic Terrorism and Radicalism in Indonesia by Increasing the Sense of Humanity and
Friendship ... 94
Idhamsyah Eka Putra, Persada Indonesia University, Indonesia
Dimas Okto Danamasi, Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia & Universitas Atma Jaya,
Indonesia
Any Rufaedah, Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia & Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia
Reisa Suci Arimbi, Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia
Sapto Priyanto, Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia
Section 4
The Problem of Media
Chapter 8
Identity and Social Peace in the Digital World ... 116
Murat Seyfi, Gaziosmanpaşa University, Turkey
The concept of identity is changing and developing with digitalization. Macro and national identities,
which are the basis of conflicts in the world, have started to decrease and lose their importance against
micro-identities introduced by digitalization. This forms the basis of re-shaping the concept of power
in the world. Digital identities play a key role in sustaining conflicts and peace in this new balance of
power. With digitalization, individuals get numerous identities and have the opportunity to form a joint
identity with other individuals and groups at a micro level. These new identities formed in micro level
against macro identities are becoming an organic structure that has horizontal and vertical components
in order to establish peace in the world by creating time, place and memories. This enables the concept
of peace to have multiple intelligence in digital platforms. The aim of this study is to search the power
and effect of micro-identities which are formed in virtual platforms and in the process of building social
peace in the digital world.
Chapter 9
Social Media and Peacemaking: A Snapshot of Literature... 127
Bruce L. Cook, Chicago ORT Technical Institute, USA
Taken together, this snapshot of articles affirms that social media participates in the process of peacemaking.
Unlike traditional media, which used to set the agenda for peace, social media diffuses the process, making
it possible to speak on both sides of any issue. These articles reveal that governments like Russia, China,
Malaysia, and Turkey can control social media as a key part of propaganda. At the same time, as in the
Arab Spring, activist groups can use social media to undermine government, despite the fact that their
new approach might prove temporary. Perhaps most important is the view that media continue to mirror
society in the digital age. Prior to social media (about 2005), traditional media fulfilled this function until
an internal elite cadre of journalists started speaking to each other and controlling the agenda through
something they called “advocacy journalism.” Having thus shattered the mirror of society, they now face
the prospect of giving way to citizens’ journalism, where their gatekeeping function are in rapid decline.
Chapter 10
Dynamic Co-Evolutions of Peace Frames in the United States, Mainland China, and Hong Kong:
A Semantic Network Analysis ... 145
Ke Jiang, University of California – Davis, USA
George A. Barnett, University of California – Davis, USA
Laramie D. Taylor, University of California – Davis, USA
Bo Feng, University of California – Davis, USA
and XH. The convergence of semantic networks of coverage of peace in AP and XH may have left more
room for SCPM to develop a unique peace frame, and the divergence of semantic networks of coverage
of peace in AP and XH may lead SCPM to develop strategies of balancing the frames employed by AP
and XH, thus creating a hybrid peace frame.
Chapter 11
Mediating Death: The Role of Mass Media in Thana-Capitalism ... 169
Maximiliano Emanuel Korstanje, University of Palermo, Argentina
Originally, digital technologies were contemplated by public opinion as instruments which serve to make
from this life a safer place. While over recent decades, the digital revolution was oriented to discuss to
what extent humans being are credible and agents who can reach objectivity, no less true was that some
mass-media paved the pathways for the rise of a new atmosphere of terror, which triggered after 9/11.
Doubtless, terrorism, ISIS and 9/11 were the main allegories for the society of consumers. This opens the
doors for a paradoxical situation, simply because viewers are enmeshed in a strange fascination for news
disseminating crimes, terrorist attacks, calamities and disasters. In earlier research, we have dubbed to
this new stage of capitalism, as Thana-Capitalism. In this respect, once conceived as a sign of weakness,
consuming others’ death implies an aura of superiority for those who have been not touched by death. In
the rise of Thana Capitalism, fear and death seem to be two touchstones that mediate between citizens
and their institutions.
Chapter 12
Social Media and Democracy ... 185
Ali Abdosamadi, Islamic Azad University Central Tehran Branch, Iran
Information Technology is an unseparated part of human life. In other words, now, human kind could
not continue his life without any technology access. Digital media is well known as a great technology
nowadays. Among all facilities which are provided by digital technology, internet could be recognized
as the best way through which human ideas could be shared reciprocally. Social networks as Facebook,
Twitter, Instagram, Telegram, LinkedIn and several other networks are providing best ways through which
ideas could be transmitted. Across this transmission, a phenomenon is growing up and this one could
be named as “social media democracy”. Social media could be a great exercise to reach a democratic
society and tolerate other ideas. By laminating sections of this article, a short history of internet and
more particularly social networks will be dedicated, also the role of this networks on democracy and
toleration of other ideas will be presented.
Section 5
The Problem of Leadership
Chapter 13
From Negative Leadership to Healing Leadership: A Therapy Strategy to Remedy African
Instability ... 195
Rais Neza Boneza, TRANSCEND International, Norway
created by liberal economies brought back the concept of leadership in Africa as a key element of sound
management of the public affairs. Yet the issue of leadership is still unclear in African pysche due to
historic legacies. The need to invent a new mode of governance that would not compromise the democratic
process became evident starting in 1990. In this chapter, Mr. Rais Boneza explores the probable historical
and political source of the leadership crisis particularly in Africa and gives a therapeutic attempt to
remedy the direct and structural violence which resulted from bad governance. The leadership should
inspire a certain sense of pride and dignity for the people whose conscience is still marked by major
trauma: A restorative but healing leadership.
Chapter 14
Responsible Leadership and Peacemaking ... 202
Bruce Lawrence Cook, Chicago ORT Technical Institute, USA
This chapter suggests that immediate action is needed in regard to solving what the author believes is
the root cause for these problems. A few questions suggest various approaches – a set of strategies for
world peace. Precise tactics are left to the professionals. It’s sad that world peace should require special
strategies and tactics. Ideally, world peace would emerge from changes in parenting, education, the arts,
and other areas. For example, consider Strategies for Peace, an attempt to survey those needs. There is
one central problem underlying these. Please consider the unpleasant fact that today’s emergency calls
for immediate action to address the central problem – a problem of failed leadership.
Chapter 15
Women in Leadership: Why We Need More Women Leaders ... 211
Ayo Ayoola-Amale, First Conflict Resolution Services Inc., Ghana
Women in leadership constitutes a major problem which barely receives attention in today’s
male-dominated world. Problems of war, starvation, and injustice in today’s world can be blamed on the
absence of women in leadership positions. This situation demands immediate attention because the
world needs both feminine and masculine traits to solve global problems. Women are half the talent of
the human race. The world needs them for economic and social success. Women bring a perspective that
values not only competition but also collaboration in organizations and teams. Their feminine values are
a functional system of contemporary, communal and open economy. Ultimately women’s leadership will
improve not only business, the family and society, but the world which will become more sustainable
and peaceful as a result. We dare not exclude any group of people based on gender, colour or race from
the opportunity to lead others to a better future.
Section 6
The Problem of Government Repression
Chapter 16
Peacebuilding, Media, and Terrorism in 21st Century and Beyond: A Psychological Perspective.... 224
Claude R. Shema, Cardiff University, UK
propaganda messages are spread at the lightning speed, from one end of the globe to another instantly,
and impacts of the outcomes shake the core of humanity from psychological, political, and socioeconomic
aspects as well. Through available literature, this chapter examines the impacts of digital media to peace
and conflict resolution, and investigates the psychosocial aspects and modules or hypotheses of media
and paths to terrorism behavior as well. Hypotheses suggest a strong link leading to association between
digital media and pathways to terrorism and associated psychological impacts.
Chapter 17
Recognition, Apology, and Restoration of Indonesians’ Past Maltreatments of People Labeled as
Communists ... 243
Idhamsyah Eka Putra, Persada Indonesia University, Indonesia, Indonesia
Any Rufaedah, Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia & Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia
Using social psychological perspectives, this paper aims to (1) explore how communism was socially
constructed in Indonesia and why communism attributes labeled to a person can lead to negative effects,
such as social exclusions. (2) After that, it presents findings of our study explaining that reminding people
that human is naturally good and kind can reduce the negative effects of the communism stigma. (3)
This chapter also discusses issues of past maltreatments to people labeled as communists in Indonesia,
and why asking the government to apologize on behalf of Indonesians has not succeeded so far – the
government refuses to apologize. To this matter, it is argued that as a start, what can be done is apologizing
to the victims of violence and injustice because of the communist party of Indonesia (PKI) stigma, and
the offsprings who don’t know the political turbulence. From here, it may be possible that the truth can
slowly be revealed.
Section 7
The Problem of Religion
Chapter 18
Understanding Our Minds and How We Can Liberate Ourselves and Others From the Hex of the
Internet: A Vedantic Case Study ... 257
Sister Gayatriprana, Independent Researcher, UK
Section 8
Solutions for Peace in the Digital Age
Chapter 19
World Citizenship ... 276
Glen T. Martin, Radford University, USA
This chapter reviews the history of the concept of world citizenship as well as the several basic senses
in which this phrase has been used in contemporary literature. It links the concept with the developing
tradition of human rights, and the emergence of the new holistic paradigm beginning in the 20th century.
It also relates the concept of world citizenship with a main stream in contemporary psychological theories
of human development that see becoming “worldcentric” as a higher level of human maturity. Finally,
it reviews a number of organizations today that promote world citizenship, and addresses the concept of
legal citizenship which today remains with the nation-states. It asks the question: is there a need for a
legalized world citizenship under the authority of a Constitution for the Federation of Earth?
Chapter 20
Education for a New Age: New Education for Establishing Peace and Harmony in the Globe ... 284
Dhal Pravat Kumar, Magadh University, India
Time immemorial education has been experimenting and diversifying. In this digital age everything
seems mundane. Life appears in turmoil. The earth is trembling by actions of ignorant people. In this
circumstance, it is common thought to establish peace in this lovely world. To get peace we have to go
to the core part of man the psychic. It is the leader of the march. The nature of the psychic is semblance
with soul, i.e. Truth, Beauty, Power, Love, Wisdom, Light, Peace etc. These are Godly qualities. Each
human being has two paths namely God and devil. Devil’s path directs to become and show demon like
behaviors. God’s path leads to become divine and show the divine qualities. For peace and harmony, we
have to discover the psychic and follow the integral approach of education. The essence of this education
is fusion of spirit and matter. Here both teacher and taught seek together the wisdom. School will be
considered as a Temple where every learner will go with love. God is the source of all knowledge. The
teacher is a medium to connect the learner with the Source.
Chapter 21
Importance of Classroom Settings in Educational Institutions to Promote Peacebuilding Through
a Specific Intended Learning Outcome ... 303
Chammika Mallawaarachchi, University of Visual and Performing Arts, Sri Lanka
Chapter 22
Soul Education for Children of the Earth ... 315
Nina Meyerhof, City College of New York, USA
We live in a timely moment in the history of humanity. We educate to move beyond religious divides
into the understanding that we are all spiritual beings. Our philosophical premise recognizes that all of
life is sacred. Our goal is to live in unitive syncretic experiences of our deepest understanding that we are
collective species who may use our consciousness to evolve systems that bring us into an interdependent,
interconnected harmonious family of humankind, stewarding the needs of our earth.
Chapter 23
The Responsibility of Educators in Peacekeeping: A View From the USA ... 324
Carol McPeak Brinjak, Point Park University, USA
In the 21st Century, the specter of catastrophic war is more threatening than ever, and yet the prospect
of reducing animosity is closer to being within our reach. The causes of strife are based mostly on fear
and ignorance, and education is the key to erasing these two maladies. As modern technology brings the
human community closer together, it is now possible to educate all people across the globe. The focus
of educators’ attention must be: a) to see each member of humanity as a spiritual being; b) to recognize
and emulate the purveyors of virtue; and c) to face head-on the dangerous people who stand in the way
of a more God-centered universe. This chapter will explore each of these three areas from an individual
perspective, as well as on a national level, and finally onto the world stage.
Chapter 24
International Diaspora Involvement in Peacemaking Through Social Media Like
DiasporaEngager ... 335
Roland Holou, DiasporaEngager, USA
The world is indisputably torn by many conflicts which are causing a huge human migration and turmoil
worldwide more than ever. Despite human efforts to address them, several problems still remain and
nothing points at a better future on this earth if the nations and their leaders cannot learn from history and
readjust the ways they interact with one another in their peacemaking and wars. Several people “fight”
the immigrants instead of strategically cooperating with them to advance their agenda and increase peace
in our world, where global migration will likely keep growing. It may be unrealistic to talk about world
peace and harmony without properly addressing the contribution of the global Diaspora. This chapter
reviewed the controversial conflicts involving Blacks, Whites, Christians, Messianic, Muslims, Orthodox
Jews, Rich, Poor, Capitalists, Socialists, Diaspora and their stakeholders. The model that DiasporaEngager
(International Diaspora Engagement Social Media Platform) is using to help the Diaspora and their
stakeholders to develop themselves and make peace is shared.
Chapter 25
Interethnic Conflicts: Understanding the Important Role of Folktales ... 350
Muli wa Kyendo, Syokimau Cultural Centre, Kenya
its important questions. They touch on the very core of who they are, both personally and corporately.
When it comes under threat, a community will return to its traditional stories to look for direction and to
regain a sense of what made it great in the past and what will nurture it into the future. The Chapter uses
examples from Kenya where a disastrous post-election ethnic violence in 2008 landed several prominent
Kenyans at International Criminal Court in The Hague charged with crimes against humanity.
Chapter 26
Gandhi’s Satyagraha and the Earth Constitution ... 361
Glen Theron Martin, Radford University, USA
Mahatma Gandhi developed an integrated world view within the very specific contexts of his struggles
for justice and freedom in South Africa and India. Much of his thought regarding such basic concepts
as Satyagraha (clinging to truth), ahimsa (nonviolence), swaraj (self-determination, independence), and
sarvodaya (the welfare of all) was articulated in the light of the concrete struggles he encountered. Some
scholars have undertaken the task of extrapolating Gandhi’s world view in terms of a general philosophy
of liberation. However, these studies have not generally extrapolated the theme of world federalism that
Gandhi occasionally mentions in his writings. This paper argues that Gandhi’s relevance for the 21st
century requires delineating the larger scope of his vision in relation to our contemporary situation and
seeing the possibility of concretely actualizing that vision within the world federalism advocated by the
Constitution for the Federation of Earth.
Chapter 27
Understanding Our Potential for Love and Peace: A Phenomenological View ... 372
Harold W. Becker, The Love Foundation Inc., USA
In this presentation, we explore a view of our human potential as an intuitive and evolving understanding
on a personal level. Using a phenomenological approach, rather than a traditional analytical social science
approach, we can discover the vital qualitative aspects that are not normally considered in a traditional
quantitative analysis. The nature of universal love and peace are more experiential and subjective at a
primary level, involving a deeper inquiry from the individual’s perspective, interpretation and experience.
Consciousness and self-awareness are central themes that are essential to a sustainable humanity and
planet in this unparalleled epoch of quantum change. Technology, and the more recently emerging
real-time worldwide social interactions, are accelerating this new paradigm where typical survival instincts
are transforming into creative and collaborative, holistic actions on a global scale. Love and peace are
the core attributes leading this shift of the ages and it is all beginning from within.
Foreword
They, the ruling elites, were in for a great shock. They thought they had everything under control,
nego-tiation processes, yes or no to violence and war, control of the media by making Western media copies
of US media.
And then terrorism came from below, shattering their monopoly on violence.
And then the digital age came from below, shattering their monopoly on truth, threatened by
alterna-tive news and views media generally and social media particularly.
This is our present reality, and this book examines global peace in the digital age, well knowing
that enlightened people go digital to know about reality. Both empirical reality--the facts--and potential
reality--the visions.
The excellent chapters are well organized with such headings as social action, world government,
media, leadership and so on. The chapter titles are all highly appetizing. The book is a must.
Let me add some personal observations. I have been a mediator from 1958, very soon 60 years,
in about 150 conflicts involving about 150 of the world’s territorial, not digital, countries. And some
years ago, we, Transcend, could claim some success—shared with others, of course—in at least 35 of
them—see www.transcend.org for our track record. What was the root of that?
Then we took the step from diagnosis-analysis via prognosis-forecasting (if nothing is done) to
therapy-remedies with visions of what might be done. The point is not to get stuck in the bad university
habit of only analysis with criticism, no constructive visions with solutions, and conciliation for traumas.
I find optimism warranted, but at a price. Nor only hard work to identify the underlying conflicts
and traumas and dialogues to get the views, the narratives, the goals of the parties. But, more taxing, the
creative work of bridging the gaps between the legitimate goals of all the parties.
Training and experience help. Thus, with my Japanese wife, I have been working very much recently
on East Asia and have produced a book, People’s Peace, in Japanese, to be translated into Chinese and
Korean. With many recommendations, including clearing the problematic past with international
fact-finding commissions, solving the problems of the present involving contested islands through joint
ownership sharing benefits and costs, and sharing the future in an Association of Northeast Asian
Na-tions, ANEAN, modeled on the successful ASEAN. A vision, let us see if it works, after some time.
Optimism is needed, pessimism is cheap, but optimism assumes hard work.
Good luck, everybody!
Johan Galtung
TRANSCEND International, Norway
Alfaz, Spain, 26 June 2017
Preface
INTRODUCTION
This collection of articles on peacebuilding includes authors from many nations, for there is no single
focus for absolute truth about peacebuilding. Further, the traditional literature on peacemaking seems
inadequate to deal with the dangerous realities present in the digital age.
Some academic disciplines can start with the distant view in the hope that all parts will fall into place.
However, when it comes to peacemaking, the conceptual terrain is so rocky and irregular that a smooth
theoretical basis is impractical. A crystal with many facets, resting on a pedestal in the sunlight, provides
a better analogy. In a crystal, one can rotate the object and allow light to penetrate one or another facet.
Although all facets are contained in the object, in the case of peacemaking (or peacebuilding), each face
affords a unique view, and the viewer will see more differences than commonality when comparing each
face of the crystal.
This text contains a kaleidoscope of writing from scholars and peace activists. This startling variety
demonstrates that peacemaking has no single correct and just solution. Perhaps the only thing that all
writers would agree upon would be that peacemaking is urgently needed before the self-destruction of
civilization.
The first section describes the problem of peacemaking as one of the most vital activities in the digital
era. Then, on a more optimistic note, the collection details social action projects which actively deal
with peacemaking. Next, major problems in peacemaking are analyzed (media, leadership, and religion).
Finally, global and permanent solutions are suggested in world government, education and the arts.
The text unearths many unique and exciting ideas which will challenge and sharpen today’s
expand-ing literature on conflict resolution, peace, and harmony. It is the hope of the editor that this book will
motivate effective action to minimize today’s terror and maximize peace and justice in today’s world.
THE PROBLEM OF PEACEMAKING
With so many threats to peace in today’s world, it becomes impossible to clearly define the problem of
peacemaking. In the earliest chapters, this book chronicles two viewpoints that introduce the topic and
offer encouragement.
Chapter 1, “Trends in Peace Research: Can Cyber Détente Lead to Lasting Peace?” by Nanad Putnik
and Mladen Milošević, reviews peace research literature. Starting with the observation that tragic
ex-periences of two world wars, together with possibilities of modern wars and conflicts, the authors note
Preface
that conflict resolution and termination have become the subject of numerous studies. They focus on the
question of whether cyber détente
1, if accepted, can lead to lasting peace. The authors conclude that, if
certain conditions are met, the adoption of cyber détente could likely lead to lasting peace.
In Chapter 2, “Sacred and Secular Activists Are Now Joining their Strategies for Peacebuilding,”
Philip Hellmich and Kurt Johnson identify a new paradigm emphasizing altruism in peacemaking that
stands in contrast to mainstream thought. The authors observe that a significant narrative of peace is
quietly and powerfully emerging around the world – one rooted in ancient wisdom and accelerated by
modern science and technology. The new narrative is more about what people are for and not simply
what people are against.
MAIN THREATS TO WORLD PEACE
Although successful strategies for peacemaking might increase at an exponential rate, negative forces
are likely to persist. Tragically, there is no way to blithely ignore two main threats to world peace: 1)
nuclear war and 2) terrorism. If civilization is unable to control these threats, the last days may be upon us.
Chapter 3, “The Role of Education in Reducing the Threat of Nuclear War” by Gospava Stojanović,
offers a graphic account of results from nuclear war. While many may imagine that nuclear skirmishes
could be a minor threat to civilization, this chapter proves that nuclear bombs could bring civilization
to a dark and tragic end.
2Stojanović asserts that nuclear war can be prevented through education.
In Chapter 4, “Minimizing the Danger of Nuclear Weapons,” Steven Lee expands on the danger of
nuclear weapons and suggests innovative methods for minimizing their danger. Working at a policy level,
he begins with the obvious solution, eliminating nuclear weapons. Sadly, he discovers that the problem
is far more complex. Having examined alternatives, Lee offers an encouraging solution.
In Chapter 5, “Mutual Understanding in the Age of Vulnerable Truth,” Ikbal Mualana suggests that
information and communication technology advance democracy, democratization process, and
interna-tional peace. Nevertheless, these media also raise concerns and even anxieties. The author establishes
that terrorist social media users exercise power which may affect the social or national landscape of
power. This development disperses the power over information which was previously possessed by media
owners. The author observes that we are increasingly connected to one another as our lives, our security,
and our hopes are inextricably linked to one another by a process of globalization.
SOCIAL ACTION AS A SOLUTION
Against this depressing background, some social action projects give reason to hope for a positive future.
As alternatives to hand-wringing over nuclear war and terrorism, these projects demonstrate success in
the face of grave challenges. They stand as a challenge for peacemaking in the future.
Preface
from open-ended structured interviews, focus group discussions, case studies and existing documents,
field diaries and newspaper clippings.
3Another reaction to terrorism is described in Chapter 7, “Tackling Islamic Terrorism and Radicalism
in Indonesia by Increasing the Sense of Humanity and Friendship” by Idhamsyah Eka Putra, Dimas Okto
Danamasi, Any Rufaedah, Reisa Suci Arimbi, and Sapto Priyanto. The authors cite the Global Terrorism
Index (2015), which reported that Islamic terrorist groups were on the rise and have become a global
threat. They conducted social programs in three areas of Indonesia which successfully brought terrorists
from prison to live normal lives. Further, they interviewed wives of terrorist prisoners.
THE PROBLEM OF MEDIA
Surprisingly, media has emerged as a third threat to world peace. Historically, newspapers gained public
trust until radio and television stations began reporting the news. These less expensive media permitted
governments and special interests to broadcast propaganda. Within 60 years, the Internet radically altered
the situation as advocacy journalism and social media users began to politicize mass communication
and create advocacy groups.
Chapter 8, “Identity and Social Peace in the Digital World” by Murat Seyfi, laments the rapid spread
of hate speech and violent content via mass media, causing the desensitization of public reactions to
violence, which is becoming accepted as normal. He asserts that a profound change in identity is
alter-ing traditional concepts like nationalism. Macro and national identities, which are the basis of conflicts
in the world, have started to decrease and lose their importance against micro-identities introduced by
digitalization. Sadly, this is forming the basis of re-shaping the concept of power in the world.
In Chapter 9, “Social Media and Peacemaking: A Snapshot of Literature,” Bruce L. Cook surveys the
complexity of social media in the digital age. Using a “snapshot” of scholarly articles on social media
and peace (November 2016 – February 2017), this literature review extracts a useful list of subjects
dealing with social media. This review surveys a rapidly evolving literature to help researchers approach
positive and negative aspects of this relatively new (since 2006)
4form of communication.
In Chapter 10, “Dynamic Co-Evolutions of Peace Frames in the United States, Mainland China, and
Hong Kong: A Semantic Network Analysis”, Ke Jiang, George A. Barnett, Laramie D. Taylor, and Bo
Feng conduct an extensive content analysis of news texts from three geographical areas. This chapter
uses semantic network analysis to examine how news texts on peace embodied different words related
to peace. The analysis suggests that a process of cultural convergence between the U.S and China will,
in the future, have significant impacts on the maintenance of cultural diversity of small countries and
regions. This can contribute to the peace at the global level. Most importantly, in the next few decades,
if China overtakes the U.S. as world’s largest economy, Chinese harmony culture may play a more
sig-nificant role in the maintenance of world peace.
Preface
Chapter 12, “Social Media and Democracy” by Ali Abdosamadi, focuses on government control of
communication, including social media. The author notes a general tendency for governments to seek
control. The chapter includes interviews with professors at Eastern Mediterranean University.
THE PROBLEM OF LEADERSHIP
With this radical shift in communication, traditional top-down mass media has given way to laissez faire
personal communication. At the same time, government leaders have less power to achieve their
objec-tives. Thus, responsible leadership has become one of the major challenges of this age.
Chapter 13, “From Negative Leadership to Healing Leadership: A Therapy Strategy to Remedy
African Instability” by Rais Neza Boneza, traces the sad remains of a continent devastated by colonial
rule. He offers a wide-ranging historical account establishing that Africa’s problems are a product of
setbacks endured from slave trades, colonial conquests, resource-plundering, wars, dictatorial regimes,
and neo-colonialism brought by the cold-war era.
In Chapter 14, “Responsible Leadership and Peacemaking,” Bruce L. Cook places the responsibility
for peace upon leaders, asserting that world peace is being threatened by rogue leaders who take
advan-tage of economic, social, historical, religious, or environmental situations to create and maintain their
personal power and prestige. He places part of the blame on advocacy journalism, which unwittingly
offers free promotion to rogue leaders.
Chapter 15, “Women in Leadership: Why We Need More Women Leaders” by Ayo Ayoola-Amale,
asserts that the inclusion of women in leadership positions will improve productivity, economic
perfor-mance, and improved prospects for peace. She identifies a need to invest more in girls’ education and
bring more women into employment to successfully fight global poverty and lessen civil conflict. She
suggests that this goes beyond fairness, and further that women bring remarkable talents, creative ideas
and skills that make them great leaders.
THE PROBLEM OF GOVERNMENT REPRESSION
Despite technological advances which can overcome government interference with mass media and
social media, the problems of censorship and jamming signals persist in the digital age. Alarmingly, in
recent years, governments have employed media to urge population groups to kill people in other groups.
Thus, even with advanced technology, irresponsible excesses in government control remain a problem.
Preface
Chapter 17, “Recognition, Apology, and Restoration of Indonesians’ Past Maltreatments of People
Labeled as Communists” by Idhamsyah Eka Putra and Any Rufaedah, examines the maltreatment of
people labelled as members of the communist party. It analyzes the tragic construction of a stigma against
individuals named as responsible for a coup in 1965. As a result, the authors assert that five hundred
thousand to one million people lost their lives. The authors recommend reconciliation and apology as a
possible solution to the stigma which remains today.
THE PROBLEM OF RELIGION
Religion has been cast as another cause for terrorism in the digital age. Each religion has its historical
roots and used to be confined to specific, isolated geographical areas. In the digital age, this
commu-nication is worldwide, and many adherents of traditional religion claim a legacy to “win” in a battle to
convert world citizens to their dogma.
In Chapter 18, “Understanding Our Minds and How We Can Liberate Ourselves and Others From
the Hex of the Internet: A Vedantic Case Study,” Sister Gayatriprana (Jean MacPhail) laments a rising
tide of inchoate fury that is manifesting like bursting abscesses all over the world. She identifies a clash
of materialistic modernity with traditional religions and cultures that is especially rapid and violent as
it is pressed into service by Eastern fighters who battle for their own traditions. At the same time, the
author looks forward to time of coexistence where people genuinely understand each other in the most
solid basis for peace.
SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE IN THE DIGITAL AGE
World Government
As nationalism gives way to social media groups, the notion of one world government is receiving increased
interest. In the original campaign for world citizenship, Garry Davis (2000) tore up his US passport and
became “World Citizen Number 1” in 1948. Practical plans for an earth government are now receiving
thorough attention and planning with the Earth Constitution under the leadership of Glen T. Martin.
In Chapter 19, “World Citizenship,” Glen T. Martin advocates that citizens of all nations should join
as Citizens of a world order. The chapter shows similarities of cultures and religious traditions,
suggest-ing interconnectedness of our planetary ecology, global economics, communications, and politics, all
coming together with enlightenment ideas about human rights, democracy, and human dignity. Thus, the
author asserts, one’s identity transcends geography or political borders, and humankind is essentially one.
Education for Peace
Preface
Chapter 20, “Education for a New Age: New Education for Establishing Peace and Harmony in the
Globe” by Pravat Dhal, argues that our educational system suffers from a structural irrationality which
is largely ignored by academia. He recommends specific structural changes, an integral approach, and a
fusion of spirit and matter. He hopes for both teacher and taught to face such changes, with school
con-sidered as a place of worship where every learner will go with love (shraddha) with God as the source
of all knowledge.
In Chapter 21, “Importance of Classroom Settings in Educational Institutions to Promote
Peacebuild-ing Through a Specific Intended LearnPeacebuild-ing Outcome,” Chammika Mallawaarachchi suggests that peace
and education are inter-reliant. In this way, education builds peace while maintaining cohesion and
prosperity within social groups, enhancing knowledge and positive attitudes in harmony. At the same
time, the author cautions that poor classroom settings can abuse the entire peace situation, and this may
lead to similar problems for society.
Chapter 22, “Soul Education for Children of the Earth” by Nina Meyerhof, advocates soul education
and moral education, tapping into higher consciousness to translate experience into societal actions for
external global harmony. The author observes that schools are institutionalized by rules and regulations
having a mechanistic view to maintain the status quo. Instead there’s a need to educate for soul
recogni-tion and allow our culture to alter its rigid views and strangling preconceived ideas of what a good life
is about. She concludes with a description of her organization, Children of the Earth.
In Chapter 23, “The Responsibility of Educators in Peacemaking: A View from the USA,” Carol
McPeak Brinjak suggests that educators should introduce various role models such as Abraham
Lin-coln, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Anwar Sadat and Mother Theresa. While youth are
badly informed today, the author suggests that the causes of bad education are many: bad parenting,
dysfunctional families, absent parent, alcoholism, corrupt politicians, and negligent governments. After
describing the religious roots of terrorism, she asserts that peace through strength is the only sure way
to defeat terrorists.
Communication for Peace
While digital communication is often seen as a cause for conflict and terrorism, it is also possible to see
it as a solution. Technology was an innocent party in the early stages of the Internet and social media.
As time progressed, however, irresponsible users of these media became a serious problem. Despite this
history, there is merit in the notion that digital communication can restore peace.
Chapter 24, “International Diaspora Involvement in Peacemaking Through Social Media Like
Dia-sporaEngager” by Roland Holou, takes a unique approach to peace by establishing a neutral system
of communication. His “DiasporaEngager” system was founded to help mitigate the problems of the
diaspora
5and their stakeholders and to help them work together in a win-win framework.
Folktales for Peace
Preface
In Chapter 25, “Interethnic Conflicts: Understanding the Important Role of Folktales,” Muli wa
Ky-endo analyzes cultural traditions in Kenya to illustrate successful use of folktales for harmony and peace.
The paper uses from Kenya where disastrous post-election ethnic violence occurred in 2008. Kikuyu,
Luo, and Akamba areas of Kenya are chosen for analysis to gain an insight into (a) attitudes and values
contained in their folktales and (b) reaction to colonialism and modern nationhood. The author argues
that the key to lasting inter-ethnic peace lies in understanding the attitudes and values that are contained
and transmitted through a culture’s community folktales.
Nonviolence and Peace
Given the complexity of today’s digital world, there’s a danger of forgetting the primary argument of
yesterday: nonviolence. Several heroes stood for nonviolence in the past. Prominent examples are Martin
Luther King, Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi.
Chapter 26, “Gandhi’s Satyagraha and the Earth Constitution” by Glen T. Martin, offers a thoughtful
analysis of Mahatma Gandhi’s stance for nonviolence. Martin reveals that Gandhi concerned himself
with the possibility of setting up a nonviolent police force, a nonviolent army, and peace brigades to
mobilize popular opinion behind constructive programs. Yet, Gandhi warned, a militarized modern state
cannot be democratic. Martin establishes that Gandhi compared power to welfare, wholly a byproduct of
social activity and the complex web of human relationships, as expressed through a variety of groupings,
from the family upward. He describes the possibility of actualizing Satyagraha for the first time in
hu-man history, a vision that Mahatma Gandhi clearly embraced. This was a form of nonviolent resistance
dedicated to breaking the cycle of violence and winning over the oppressors through transforming their
hearts, allowing them to recognize the gigantic truth that encompasses us all.
The Importance of Love
Underpinning these views on human relationships, none could be as powerful as love. For love is the
basis for justice, harmony and peace. While comparisons between love and other emotions abound, it is
fascinating to compare the emergence of love with today’s culture of fear.
In Chapter 27, “Understanding Our Human Potential for Universal Love and Peace,” Howard Becker
establishes that humans are susceptible to an artificial separation from our true selves and the world.
This can become the experience of fear in numerous manifestations. Ultimately, this fear can become
the basis for control, domination and enslavement of minds, bodies, societies and cultures, along with
countless battles, wars, needless deaths and destruction. Instead, the author recommends a new
apprecia-tion for unity and oneness. He asserts that the time is ripe for the establishment of peace on earth where
everyone can walk in joy and harmony and know that all is well.
REFERENCES
Preface
Cook, B. (2015).
Voice of Social Media: 1999-2015.
World Mediation Organization. Retrieved from
http://www.worldmediation.org/paper-3.pdf
Davis, G. (2000).
Dear World, A Global Odyssey
. Xlibris Corporation.
Eliot, T. S. (2009).
Collected Poems 1909-1962
. Faber & Faber.
ENDNOTES
1
The authors define cyber détente as hypothetical bilateral or multilateral agreement that would
define the steps, measures and actions to reduce tensions between the States Parties, caused by
mutual confrontation in cyber space.
2
This brings new truth to T.S. Eliot’s poem “The Hollow Men” - This is the way the world ends;
Not with a bang but a whimper (Elliot, 2009).
3
The study also demonstrated the value of process documentation. As an analogy, consider Barbara
Reeves’ use of “formative evaluation” in the popular educational television series, Sesame Street
(Ball, 1970).
4
Social media as we know it today started in 2006 (Cook, 2015).
5
