Pacifism

Pacifism encompasses a range of beliefs and movements that oppose war and the use of violence to resolve disputes. Core positions deny that killing or coercive force is morally legitimate, and many adherents advocate resolving conflicts through nonviolent means such as diplomacy, mediation, economic pressure, and civil resistance. Some distinguish absolute pacifism, which rejects all violence, from conditional or strategic pacifism, which restricts violence to specific circumstances like self-defense or preventing greater harm.

Historically, pacifist ideas arise in many traditions, including religious groups such as Quakers and Jains, as well as secular humanists. In the modern era, anti-war activism, conscientious objection, and disarmament campaigns helped form organized movements in the 19th and 20th centuries. Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance, or satyagraha, and civil rights leadership under Martin Luther King Jr. popularized nonviolence as a political strategy in the 20th century, while debates on nuclear weapons sustained pacifist advocacy after World War II.

Practices commonly associated with pacifism include conscientious objection, nonviolent resistance, and civil disobedience, as well as diplomacy, humanitarian aid, and advocacy for disarmament and peaceful conflict resolution. Peace organizations, religious peace churches, and secular groups continue to promote education, policy work, and grassroots action aimed at reducing violence and expanding human security.

Critics argue that absolute pacifism can be impractical when facing aggression or genocide, while others question whether nonviolent means always suffice to safeguard civilians. Proponents respond that nonviolence can mobilize broad coalitions, minimize harm, and undermine the legitimacy of violence by exposing its costs.