The concept of world peace is simultaneously simple and infinitely complex. Defining world peace is relatively easy. Peace implies a nation or region is not fighting wars or violent conflict, while world peace implies nonviolent living in every part of the world. This definition sparks many questions for many people, ranging from what actions constitute violence to which steps people can take to achieve world peace.
It can be helpful to examine the concept of a utopia, a community that has achieved peace and perfection. A utopian society is free from war, violence, hunger, discrimination, and trouble accessing food and education.
Racism and misogyny can lead to violent acts but may be limited to harmful political policies and less overt forms of discrimination. The leading causes of death in the United States are not war or violent acts but health conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. While stopping all wars would be a huge achievement for humanity, it may feel disingenuous to declare world peace when salaries are determined, in part, by race and gender, and millions are dying from diseases.
Much like world peace, a utopia suggests a state of perfection, a concept most people realize is impossible. Historians and researchers agree that Earth has never had a true utopia. Even the most civilized societies are created on coercion and compromise, if not more aggressive behaviors. That said, writers often depict utopian societies in science fiction.
H. G. Wells' novel A Modern Utopia, an early example of utopian fiction released in 1905, deals with how a peaceful society can maintain growth and progress without sacrificing political stability. However, even in fiction, writers treat utopias as fables or with suspicion. In Ursula K. Le Guin's short story "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas," a seemingly ideal society is, in truth, powered by the pain and suffering of the lower classes.
However, there are a few reasons to maintain optimism. For instance, while most experts agree that humans have never achieved a true utopia, recorded history details a few communities that existed for long periods with no wars or widespread violence. The Indus civilization spread through South Asia between 2600 BC and 1900 BC, during which time the people engaged in no warfare or large-scale violence.
Researchers have uncovered a range of Indus artifacts but no weapons or armor. Further, archeologists have unearthed a small amount of history that lacks any description of an Indus ruler, the ruling class, or formal government. As a result, some experts believe such a civilization could not thrive for so long. Still, until more information is revealed, the Indus civilization suggests societies can succeed and endure without an active military.
People and communities interested in world peace or building the first workable utopia should not consider whether these goals are achievable. The cost of war and violence in the modern world is incalculable, both in human lives and in economies, and efforts that fall short of world peace can still massively improve the world for humanity.
