Principles of

Peacebuilding
and Conflict
Resolution

All people desire to live in

a world of peace and
harmony.

Buddha
We are what we
think. All that we
are arises with
our thoughts.
With our
thoughts, we
make the world.

Conflict Begins within the

Individual.

SelfishnessUnselfishness

UNESCO Constitution
Since wars
begin in the
minds of men, it
is in the minds
of men that the
defenses of
peace must be
constructed.
Preamble 5

Dual Purposes
Mind

Whole
Purpose

Body

Self
Purpose
6

Selfishnes
s
Lust

Arrogance

Exploitation

Living only
for oneself
Vengeance

Prejudice
Gree
d

Basis for conflict

7

Unselfishn
ess
Self-control
Humility

Service

Living for others

Fairness

Forgiveness
Generosity

Basis for
harmony

Nelson Mandela
The first thing is
to be honest with
yourself. You can
never have an
impact on society if
you have not
changed yourself.

Sources of Conflict
o

Spiritual sources of conflict

Result of original ancestors separation from God and
negative influence from evil spiritual forces

Individual sources of conflict

Disunity within the individual and confusion of values

Family sources of conflict

Family dysfunctions affect succeeding generations.

National/international sources of
conflict
National policies affect future generations and can
lead to conflict within or between nations.

Historical Sources of National

Conflict
National
crimes
burden future
generations.

US Civil War

Ethnic/religiou
s resentments
accumulate.

Balkan conflicts

Individual Ch
C oice:
To resolve or repeat past
conflicts
Past
Each person
passes on either
the problem or the
solution.

Future
12

Does Fighting Resolve

Conflict?
Fighting can be necessary
For self-defense
To defend the weak
Fighting does not resolve conflict
Defeating an enemy does not
answer his grievances or end his
hatred.
The defeated are tempted to seek
revenge.

Results of World War I

Left: General Ferdinand Foch
(2nd
from right) at German
surrender in
Compeigne forest near Paris

Above: Adolf Hitler (with

hand on hip) visiting the
site of the German
surrender, June 22, 1940

Results of World War II

George C. Marshall and the

Marshall Plan

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Basis for Conflict

Resolution
State of
Harmony

Lost
State
of
Conflict

Restored
Indemnity conditions:
Efforts to reverse the
process by which the
original harmony was
lost.

Restoration of Conflict
Unselfishness

Selfishness

Right

Loving
Relationship

Wrong

Broken
Relationship

Steps in Conflict Resolution

Step 1. Self reflection &
reorientation
o

Consider how one might

have dealt with the
problem differently.

Take responsibility for ones

contribution to the conflict.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

We never get rid
of an enemy by
meeting hate with
hate; we get rid of
an enemy by
getting rid of
enmity.

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Steps in Conflict
Resolution
Step 2. Reversal & restitution
o

Address whatever caused the

other to feel hurt and violated.

Be open to efforts to reconcile.

Seek to correct injustices.

Steps in Conflict Resolution

Step 3. Reconciliation & renewal
o

Give up claim for retaliation.

Forgive and be open to receive

forgiveness.

Resolve to help the other to

change.

Foster good will.

Actions That Lead to Peace

Humility: - Admitting to not always being right
- Being open to learn from others
Generosity:
- Giving beyond convenience
- Giving unconditionally, without
expectation of return
Service: - Showing acts of caring to meet
others
needs
- Respecting the dignity of the
recipient
- Reversing exploitation through
service

Greatest Act of Love:

Winning over ones enemy
Giving even to those who have
done one harm
o

Converts the enemy into a

friend.

Reverses ancient patterns

of abuse and revenge.

Jesus Christ
I say to you, love your
enemies, and pray for
those who curse you, do
good to those who hate
you, and pray for those
who persecute you, so
that you may be sons of
your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:44-46

24

Islam
My Lord, who is the
greatest of Thy
servants in Thy
estimation?
The one who forgives
when he is in a position
of power.
Hadith of Baihaqi
25

What Is Needed?

Leadership
centered on true
love
Ambassadors
for Peace

Attitude of an Ambassador for

Peace
o

Show concern for both sides.

Affirm the value of both sides.

Gain trust from both sides that each is

being treated fairly.

Aim for a win-win outcome.

Guide both sides beyond blame and

accusation.

Mediation Skills: Towards the

Offender
o

Help the offender accept

responsibility.

Encourage admission of wrong.

Help the offender accept the

challenge of reconciliation.

Avoid labeling and blaming.

Praise and offer a second chance.

Mediation Skills: Towards the

Offended
o

Help the offended forgive and release

grudges.

Help the offended recognize own

faults.

Help the offended to accept an

apology.

Foster harmony and friendship with

the offender.

Promoting Peace and

Reconciliation
o

Service programs

Sports competitions

Cultural programs

Dialogue between religions

Women as peacemakers

Mahatma Gandhi
When I despair, I
remember that all
through history the
ways of truth and
love have always
won.

31

Anwar Sadat
Any life that is lost in
war is a human life, be
it that of an Arab or
Israeli. Innocent
children who are
deprived of the care
and compassion of
their parents are ours.
They are ours, be they
living on Arab or Israeli
land.

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Rev. Sun Myung Moon

The reason why God
does not punish an
enemy is that He is
thinking of the enemys
parents, wife and
children who all love him.
When you understand
that heart of God, could
you take revenge on your
enemy?
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Thank You!

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