War or Peace – Your Choice

Who among us would willingly choose a life of extreme hardship, misery, and suffering? The ongoing Palestine-Israel crisis raises a fundamental question: What happened to the first article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights?

Wars erupt when peaceful resolutions fail due to mistrust, miscalculation, or unchecked leadership. History has shown that conflicts often arise from economic, territorial, religious, political, and ideological ambitions—many of which are linked to greed and power. Some leaders wage wars when the perceived benefits outweigh the costs, while others justify war as a necessary evil, citing ideological or national security concerns.

The Justification of War

In Western tradition, the concept of a “just war” emphasizes that both the cause and the intention must be righteous, and the benefits must outweigh the destruction caused. Sun Tzu’s Art of War teaches strategy and the philosophy of conflict, suggesting that war is sometimes unavoidable but should always be approached with wisdom and foresight.

The Global Peace Index (GPI), compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), highlights that global peace has been in decline for the past 16 years. The wars in Ukraine and Gaza exemplify this deterioration. In 2023, there were 162,000 conflict-related deaths, with Ukraine and Gaza accounting for nearly three-quarters of that toll. Israel ranks 155th and Palestine 145th in the GPI, while the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) remain the least peaceful regions.

Beyond the loss of life, war has massive economic consequences. The global economic impact of violence reached US$19.1 trillion in 2023, representing 13.5% of global GDP. Supply chain disruptions and mass displacements have led to over 110 million refugees and internally displaced persons worldwide.

Global Power Struggles and the Cost of Conflict

The United States, while seeking to normalize relations with Russia, remains locked in disputes with China over technology, military expansion, and human rights. Despite these tensions, the US and China remain each other’s key trading partners—demonstrating that economic interdependence does not necessarily prevent political hostility.

Stereotyping and dehumanization further fuel conflict. When entire groups are labeled as threats—such as the notion that Mexican immigrants “steal jobs” or that all Muslims are “terrorists”—it paves the way for discrimination, violence, and war crimes. History has shown that reducing people to mere labels enables atrocities under the guise of security or righteousness.

The Path to Peace

Achieving world peace is complex, with varying theories advocating capitalism, democracy, military strength, Marxism, or territorial peace as solutions. However, the fundamental principles remain universal:

• Cross-cultural understanding – Appreciating different cultures and perspectives.
• Supporting peacebuilding efforts – Strengthening diplomatic resolutions and reconciliation.
• Advocating for human rights – Ensuring justice and accountability.
• Holding leaders accountable – Preventing unchecked power and authoritarianism.
• Empowering the United Nations – Strengthening its role in prosecuting war crimes and maintaining peace.

A key step toward peace is changing how we perceive others. Instead of using the term “enemy,” we should view others as competitors, partners, or equals. Respect for diverse values, the willingness to agree to disagree, and the ability to forgive are essential. Emotional intelligence and the rejection of ideological extremism can reshape conflicts into opportunities for coexistence.

The Role of the United Nations

The UN was founded to maintain peace, promote human rights, and foster friendly international relations through its Security Council (UNSC). However, the effectiveness of the UN is undermined by the misuse of veto power, which often allows powerful nations to bypass accountability. This raises a crucial question: Who truly respects the UN Charter, and who repeatedly violates it?

The Nobel Peace Prize was established to recognize those who work toward global peace, disarmament, and fraternity among nations. However, its credibility has been challenged by political influences, raising doubts about whether true peacemakers are being recognized.

A Call to Action

The ultimate goal must be mutual acceptance—a world where leaders and citizens alike prioritize peace over war. We must let go of the need to always be right and instead focus on what benefits all parties involved. As António Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN, stated:

“In the end, it comes down to values. We want the world our children inherit to be defined by the values enshrined in the UN Charter: peace, justice, respect, human rights, tolerance, and solidarity.”

The ancient Indian concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—which translates to “the world is one family”—offers a vision of unity. However, is lasting world peace truly attainable, or is conflict an inevitable part of human history?

The Bible reminds us in Matthew 10:34–36:

“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”

Meanwhile, the Hadith states:

“The merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Be merciful to those on the earth, and the One in the heavens will have mercy upon you.”

The Cost of War vs. The Value of Peace

In the 20th century, approximately 231 million people died due to wars and conflicts. Since 9/11, at least 4.5–4.7 million people have lost their lives in wars, including 3.6–3.8 million indirect deaths. How much more blood must be shed before we commit to peacebuilding over warfare?

Can world leaders prioritize conflict resolution over military expansion? Will humanity ever move beyond war, or is war an unavoidable part of our existence?

The final lines of We Are the World offer a hopeful perspective:

“There’s a choice we’re making, we’re saving our own lives… it’s true we’ll make a better day.”

What say you?