Types of Peace

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Peace can be described using a few different classifications. These definitions come from my Roots of Conflict, Violence and Peace course.

Direct or "Negative" Peace: This is the absence of direct violence, but doesn't mean that there isn't any conflict. An example of direct violence would be war, or any sort of armed conflict. The absence of such violence doesn't mean that people are content, though. A situation where people are oppressed but not rising up against their oppression (yet) could be seen as an example of direct peace.

Structural or "Positive" Peace: The absence of structural violence and the presence of conditions which favour human well being. Structural violence is unseen, institutionalized violence where you can't necessarily point a finger at who's responsible for it. Conditions which favour human well being include social justice, human rights, and ecological balance.

Cultural Peace: Comes from the transcendence of cultural violence, and often includes a spiritual dimension.

Comprehensive or Holistic Peace: Includes all aspects of peace - Direct, Structural, and Cultural.