The Urgent Need for Peace in a Divided World

Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal." (Martin Luther King Jr)

Three years ago, on 27th June, installed by Conservation 50, the 'Peace Bench', down Waxhouse Gate. was blessed by The Dean of St Albans Cathedral, The Very Reverend Jo Kelly-Moore.

The theme of the need for peace got me thinking about the terrible tensions today. It is a time marked by escalating conflicts, deepening inequality, and the threat of environmental collapse. It seems the need for global peace has never been more urgent. War, terrorism, and political instability continue to devastate communities, while climate disasters and economic crises threaten the very foundations of human survival. Peace is not just a lofty ideal—it is a necessity for the survival and flourishing of humanity.

War and violence displace millions, destroy families, and leave lasting scars on societies. From Ukraine to Sudan, from Gaza to Myanmar, conflicts create humanitarian disasters, with civilians—especially women and children—bearing the brunt of suffering. Peace ensures safety, stability, and the protection of fundamental human rights.

Conflict paralyzes economies, disrupts education, and cripples healthcare systems. Billions of dollars spent on warfare could instead fund poverty reduction, renewable energy, and infrastructure. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can only be achieved in a world where cooperation replaces destruction.

No single nation can solve crises like climate change, pandemics, or nuclear threats alone. These challenges demand international collaboration—something only possible in a world committed to diplomacy over aggression. The climate crisis, for instance, requires nations to set aside geopolitical rivalries and work together for survival.

Peace fosters tolerance, reconciliation, and justice among different cultures, religions, and nations. Where hatred and extremism thrive, societies fracture. By promoting dialogue and mutual respect, we can counter polarisation and build inclusive communities.

History shows that most conflicts end not through total victory but through negotiation. The Good Friday Agreement (1998) ended decades of violence in Northern Ireland, while the Treaty of Westphalia (1648) established principles of sovereignty that reduced European wars. Today, diplomatic efforts—such as ceasefires, peace talks, and international mediation—should be prioritised over military escalation.

Many conflicts arise from systemic injustice, oppression, poverty, and corruption. Addressing these root causes through fair governance, economic equity, and human rights protections would prevent violence before it starts. South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (1990s) demonstrated how acknowledging past injustices can pave the way for healing.

The world spends over $2 trillion annually on military budgets while millions starve. Nuclear arsenals, in particular, pose an existential threat. Initiatives like the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (2017) are crucial steps toward a safer world. Reducing arms trade and supporting non-proliferation treaties can prevent future wars.

Ignorance fuels prejudice, while education fosters empathy. Teaching conflict resolution, critical thinking, and global citizenship in schools can raise generations that value cooperation over division. Programs like UNESCO’s peace education initiatives show how knowledge can combat extremism.

Change often begins with ordinary people. Movements like Women Wage Peace (Israel/Palestine) and Peace Brigades International prove that local activism can pressure governments to pursue peaceful solutions. Supporting civil society, human rights defenders, and community-led peacebuilding is essential. There is a need to discard violent ideologies and work towards mutual understanding and tolerance.

As an anthropologist, I understand how evolution has shaped our species. Human kind has dominated the planet through aggresive survival mechanisms but we also have the ability to cooperate with one another, which some anthroplogists would see as the primary factor in the success of homo sapiens. We need to exercise the 'sapiens' (wise) feature of humanity and work towards peace before we destroy ourselves.