peace

Peace is a state of quiet and security that arises when there is an absence of large-scale violence and a societal condition characterized by harmony, stability, and just relations. In scholarly and policy contexts, peace is often distinguished between negative peace, defined as the absence of war and direct violence, and positive peace, which includes the presence of fair institutions, economic well-being, rule of law, and social cohesion. At the personal level, peace can refer to inner calm and freedom from fear, while at the interpersonal and communal levels it concerns safe, cooperative relationships and the reduction of fear and hostility.

Historically, understandings of peace have ranged from pacifist ideals to realpolitik. In the 20th century, the devastation of World War II spurred the creation of international institutions and norms aimed at preventing war, including the United Nations and various treaties. Modern peace practice includes preventive diplomacy, peacemaking, peacekeeping, peace enforcement, and peacebuilding, often guided by human rights law, humanitarian principles, and development assistance. Durable peace typically requires political settlements, inclusive governance, reconciliation, and accountable institutions.

Measurement and evaluation of peace use indicators such as levels of violence, risk of conflict, and governance quality, with indices like the Global Peace Index and assessments of human security. Challenges to peace include recurring violence, underlying grievances, unequal development, spoilers, and the difficulty of sustaining institutions after conflict. Successful peacebuilding emphasizes not only ceasing hostilities but also addressing root causes, rebuilding infrastructure, institutions, and social trust to prevent relapse into conflict.