Why Ending Violence Isn’t Enough: Embracing Both Negative and Positive Peace

When students debate peace in social studies class, their first answer is often, 'peace means no more war or fights.' The teacher nods, then asks, 'Imagine our school had no fights, but some students still felt left out, their voices ignored, their needs dismissed. Is that really peace?' Silence falls across the room. Suddenly, someone remembers how some students eat lunch alone or can't join sports because of fees. The class begins to see that peace isn't just the absence of violence. It's about fairness, safety, and everyone having a sense of belonging and opportunity.

This more complete vision matches what social psychologists found in societies long after wars end. If communities settle for 'negative peace'—just ending violence—hidden problems fester. People may lack justice, voice, or security. These undercurrents, if ignored, can spark new conflicts later. Real, sustainable peace—called 'positive peace'—depends on meeting basic human needs, building systems of trust, and supporting inclusion. When community leaders, schools, or governments look beyond the silence of guns and invest in dignity, economic fairness, and social protection, the foundation for long-term harmony is set.

Behavioral science supports this: people are far less likely to support aggression or exclusion when they trust those around them and believe their lives can improve. But it takes conscious effort to build beyond the minimum, especially in the wake of longstanding hostility. By identifying what true 'positive peace' means in concrete terms and creating spaces for cooperative problem-solving, groups can raise expectations and standards for how they treat each other.

Peace is more than the sound of silence after violence—it’s the trust, opportunity, and shared rights that make that silence worth having.

Take a few minutes to consider whether peace in your environment simply means 'nobody’s fighting,' or whether some lingering injustices remain overlooked, like isolation, discrimination, or economic gaps. Map all the different groups and individuals who play a role in shaping your daily climate—not just the obvious leaders, but teachers, parents, or marginalized peers. Now, seek places where collaboration could break old boundaries, even through small joint projects or dialogues. Finally, write out your own practical vision for a lasting peace, one that includes dignity, opportunity, and inclusion for all involved. Challenge yourself to see beyond quiet; try making at least one step from your list, starting today.