Two kinds of peace: reflections on peace-making, peace-keeping and peace-building

Abstract

We do not think through many of the things we do as individuals or nations, we simply do them. Often, in fact, we pride ourselves on our willingness to act before reflecting, taking it as an expression of our special virtue (for we are doing something). Most of us, after all, are privileged members of privileged states, secure in our commitment to freedom, peace, progress and humanity. And so we speak proudly of our commitment to peace-keeping, peace-making and peace-building, and leap into action with all the forethought and reflective honesty of Captain America setting his Avengers to work. Thoughtlessness is, however, no guarantee of virtue, nor is virtue the sure upshot of righteousness. This is why we need to take thought if virtue is what we are committed to; and if we don't take thought, if we refuse to reflect on what we are saying and doing, then perhaps it is all a sham. So let us think about - let us think through - our commitment to peace-keeping, peace-making and peace-building; and let's try for some honesty.