From War to Peace

Abstract

Conflict is considered natural as long as it remains non-violent; indeed, non-violent conflicts and disputes can even promote development within the ordinary flow of life. The escalation of disagreements into violence and the understanding that problems can be resolved through violence signifies a transition to an entirely different phase. The occurrence of organized violence, particularly within or between states, yields destructive and lethal consequences. This study demonstrates that although wars have always existed—even if they are neither understandable nor natural—their form has significantly transformed in recent years. Consequently, the increased effectiveness of non-state actors or terrorism necessitated new measures by governments, leading to the diversification of official precautions. However, abnormal measures and reactions occasionally amplified the spiral of violence. The study establishes the necessity of negotiation for conflict parties, justifying the importance of compromise and finding common ground under minimum conditions—going beyond the right-versus-wrong distinction—to foster a peaceful atmosphere. Furthermore, the work opens to discussion the relationship between justice and peacebuilding processes—specifically involving punishment, forgiveness, or forgetting—and reveals its impact on peace processes. Finally, the study reveals the crucial importance of all possible dynamics, both formal and informal, taking the initiative in maintaining non-conflict during the transition from conflict to the peace phase.