What is 'positive peace' and how does it differ from 'negative peace'?

Positive peace refers to the presence of justice and equality in a society, unlike negative peace which is simply the absence of conflict.

Positive peace is a concept that goes beyond the mere absence of violence or war. It encompasses the presence of social justice, equality, and a harmonious relationship among individuals, groups, and states. It is a holistic approach to peace, which includes the eradication of structural violence, such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination. Positive peace is proactive and aims to address the root causes of conflict, rather than just managing or suppressing them. It is about creating a society where everyone has access to basic needs, rights are respected, and conflicts are resolved through peaceful means.

On the other hand, negative peace refers to the absence of direct violence or conflict, such as war or civil unrest. It is a more traditional and narrow understanding of peace, often associated with the cessation of hostilities or the signing of a peace agreement. However, negative peace does not necessarily mean the presence of justice or equality. It can exist in societies where there is deep-seated structural violence, such as systemic racism or economic inequality. Negative peace is often temporary and unstable, as it does not address the underlying causes of conflict.

In essence, positive peace and negative peace represent two different approaches to peace. Negative peace focuses on ending conflicts, while positive peace focuses on building a just and equitable society. Both are important for achieving lasting peace, but they require different strategies and interventions. Understanding these differences is crucial for students of global politics, as it can help them analyse the complexities of peace and conflict in the world today.