The Forces for Peace Today: Examining Democracy, Economic Interdependence, Diplomacy and International Law - Sibusiso Majola (BA - Sociology & Polit)

The pursuit of global and domestic peace in the past recent decades have been characteristic of different political forces that emerged along as the key drivers toward its realisation. The ever-persistent threat of war domestically, amongst states and nations, have necessitated global and local efforts among governments to recognise the need to institutionalise the aversion of conflict and wars. In this essay, I aim to discuss four of these major forces for peace in the present domestic and international realm, namely: democracy, economic interdependence, diplomacy, and international law. By examining the role of each of these forces and providing illustrative examples, it becomes feasible to assess their implications or lack thereof in promoting peace and justice. According to Rotblat and Ikeda (2007), the first step towards the realisation of peace and security is the eradication of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) without any prejudice or favour, in the sense of glorifying powerful nations with modernised military power, while scolding less powerful ones and urging them to abstain. In this sense, such eradication of nuclear weapons can only make a meaningful contribution towards global peace if it is universal (Rotblat and Ikeda, 2007). Further to the above, the essay will give a critical analysis on the forces of peace to determine which of them is the most powerful in today's context, commencing with democracy as one such force.

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Martin (2006) describes democracy as a political system that serves as a domestic and an international driver of peace due to its emphasis on citizen participation, accountability and the protection of individual rights. Democracy, exemplified by the involvement of citizens in decision-making processes, can contribute to peace by advancing inclusivity, equality and accountability (Martin, 2006). Martin (2006) argues that countries with established democratic systems tend to have more stable governance structures and peaceful transitions of power between regimes. An example is the peaceful transition to democracy in South Africa after the end of apartheid. The democratic elections held in 1994, with Nelson Mandela becoming the country's first black president, played a crucial role in preventing widespread violence and fostering reconciliation (Southall, 2008). The example of South Africa's transition from apartheid to democracy under Nelson Mandela's leadership exhibits the transformative power of democratic institutions (Southall, 2008). By dismantling institutionalized discrimination and embracing a democratic system, South Africa achieved reconciliation and social stability, averting a potentially violent conflict (Southall, 2008).

The democratic principles of inclusivity, respect for human rights and equality played a pivotal role in fostering peace (Southall, 2008). The second force for the promotion of peace is economic interdependence. According to Wagner (2009), economic interdependence refers to the interconnectedness of economies through trade, investment, and mutual dependencies. Wagner (2009) argues, however, that the practice of economic interdependence for partisan stimulus necessitates that the exchange of economic resources for governmental concerns make both parties to a relationship better off, than they would be if they traded over the distribution of the gains from the economic relationship alone. As such, the promotion of trade and cooperation, economic interdependence can create incentives for peaceful relations that goes beyond economic gains among nations. The European Union (EU) serves as an example of how economic interdependence and integration contributes to peace in this regard (Grieco, Ikenberry and Mastanduno, 2022). Primarily instituted to stop further conflict in Europe after World War II, the EU has encouraged economic interdependence among its member states, decreasing the prospect of armed conflicts between them (Wagner, 2009).

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Economic interdependence, characterized by mutual reliance on trade, investment, and economic cooperation, has therefore been documented as a significant force in sustaining peace between nations (Wagner, 2009). The European Union (EU) therefore stands as a notable example of economic interdependence fostering peace. The interweaving of economies and the pursuit of shared prosperity have incentivized peaceful resolution of disputes, as conflicts would undermine the economic gains achieved through cooperation (Grieco et al, 2022). The third force that fosters peace is diplomacy. Berridge (2022) describes diplomacy as the practice of negotiations and dialogue between nations without the use of force, which plays a crucial role in preventing and resolving conflicts peacefully. Berridge (2022) argues that diplomatic efforts aim to promote understanding, build relationships, and find common ground among nations which essentially promotes peaceful coexistence. An example that can be cited here is the negotiation and signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran in 2015, which signified a successful diplomacy. The treaty, involving various countries, intended to curtail Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the ending of sanctions, reducing hostilities and the threat of a military war (Khalfi, 2020).

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According to Berridge (2022), diplomacy can best be dubbed “the art of negotiation and dialogue”, as it has long been a foundation of conflict resolution and peacebuilding. The Oslo Accords of 1993 serves as another case study that provides a compelling example of the power of diplomacy in facilitating peace (Wertman, 2021). The negotiations between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) negotiated by international mediators led to a significant advance, with both parties deciding on mutual recognition and a structure for peaceful coexistence (Berridge, 2022). Accordingly, it is clear from these examples that these diplomatic efforts created a platform for dialogue, allowing adversaries to engage in constructive negotiations and ultimately reduce tensions in the region. The fourth force that promotes peace is the international law. According to Grieco et al (2022), international law sets out a framework of regulations and standards that control the behaviour of states and promote peaceful relations. This framework is intended to formulate and maintain values such as sovereignty, independence, non-aggression and the peaceful settlement of disputes (Rotblat and Ikeda, 2007). The International Criminal Court (ICC) exemplifies the role of international law in promoting peace. By holding individuals liable for crimes against humanity, genocide, and war crimes, the ICC impacts on deterrence and justice, thereby potentially avoiding future conflicts (Grieco et al, 2022). The ICC's mandate to prosecute individuals responsible for the most serious international crimes has acted as a deterrent and established accountability for atrocities. By holding perpetrators accountable, the ICC contributes to the promotion of peace by discouraging impunity and fostering a culture of respect for human rights and the rule of law.

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Among the four forces for peace discussed in this essay, I argue that each plays an important role in promoting peaceful relations and preventing conflicts within and among nations. However, in today's context, economic interdependence strikes out as the most effective force for peace. This is the case because economic interdependencies can create mutual interests, incentivizing collaboration and decreasing the probability of armed conflicts between nations. The example of the EU's success in sustaining peace among member states exhibits the transformative power of economic interdependence. While democracy, diplomacy, and international law remain essential components in the pursuit of peace, economic interdependence go beyond political ideologies and legal frameworks, advancing evident advantages that further constancy and discourage hostility. By intermingling economies, nations become more invested in maintaining peaceful relations to preserve economic gains.

Bibliography

Berridge, G. 2022. “Diplomacy: Theory and Practice”. Springer Nature

?Grieco, J. Ikenberry G & Mastanduno M. 2019. “Introduction to International Relations:? Perspectives, Connections, and Enduring Questions”. Macmillan international; Red Globe Press. London

?Khalfi, M.A.E. 2020. “Agreement on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)”. Journal of Political Issues

?Martin, F.E. 2006. “Militarist Peace in South America”. Palgrave MacMillan, New York

Rotblat, J and Ikeda, D. “A Quest for Global Peace”. I.B Tauris & Co Ltd

?Southall, R. 2008. “The State of Democracy in South Africa”. Journal of Commonwealth and Comparative Politics

?Wagner, R.H. 2009. “Economic Interdependence, Bargaining Power and Political Influence”. Cambridge University Press?

?Wertman, O. 2021. “The Scrutinization of the Bi-National State: The Oslo Accords 1993-1995”. Tel Aviv University - Gordon Faculty of Social Sciences