Peace vs. Violence

Peace vs. Violence: Why Does the World Fail to Achieve Peace?

Introduction: Are We Incapable of Achieving Peace?

Despite the fact that most people long for peace, violence and conflict continue to dominate the global scene. If the majority desires peace, why does it remain out of reach?

The answer lies in the passivity of the majority, who remain silent while a violent minority actively spreads chaos and extremism. Silence is not neutrality—it is indirect participation in the continuation of violence. By remaining inactive, peaceful people allow extremist voices to dominate, while the forces advocating for peace remain weak or unheard.

This article explores why the world struggles to achieve peace and what essential steps are needed to build it.

Why Does Violence Prevail Over Peace?

The Passivity and Inaction of the Majority

Violence does not need a majority to prevail; it only requires a small, well-organized, and determined minority, while the majority remains passive or indifferent. Throughout history, neither dictatorships nor extremist groups have had overwhelming popular support, yet they succeeded by exploiting fear and silence to impose their dominance.

Examples:

• Fascist regimes in the 20th century rose to power because people submitted out of fear instead of resisting.
• Terrorist groups thrive when civil institutions are weak and there is no strong response to their ideology.

Social and Economic Injustice

Poverty, unemployment, and the lack of social justice create a breeding ground for violence and extremism. When people feel marginalized and deprived of opportunities, they become easy targets for radical ideologies that give them a false sense of purpose and power.

Extremist Ideologies and Manipulation of Minds

Violence is not only carried out through weapons—it is also spread through ideas. Extremist groups use education, media, and religious discourse to sow division and hatred, taking advantage of ignorance and lack of awareness to push their agendas.

Examples:

• Terrorist organizations recruit educated youth by exploiting their emotions and manipulating their sense of injustice.
• Ethnic and sectarian conflicts persist because of biased media that fuel division instead of promoting unity.

How Can We Achieve Peace?

Education and Awareness

Peace begins in the mind. It will never be achieved as long as younger generations are raised with intolerance, hatred, and discrimination.

• Reforming educational systems to promote dialogue and tolerance.
• Reevaluating religious and media discourse to ensure it promotes peace instead of inciting violence.
• Encouraging critical thinking so that people do not become easy prey for extremist ideologies.

Justice and Equality

Social and economic injustice fuels conflict. Peace cannot be achieved in a world suffering from inequality and lack of opportunities.

• Eliminating poverty and unemployment, as people with access to a dignified life are less likely to resort to violence.
• Fighting political and economic corruption, since corrupt systems create more instability.
• Ensuring equal rights for all, because oppression and tyranny always lead to rebellion and violence.

Countering Extremism with Critical Thinking

Extremism cannot be defeated solely by military force—it must be challenged intellectually through:

• Exposing the contradictions and flaws in extremist ideologies.
• Promoting freedom of expression to allow open discussions on violence and peace.
• Equipping young people with critical thinking skills to protect them from radicalization.

Strengthening Peaceful Communities and Institutions

Governments alone cannot create peace—it requires active community participation. This includes:

• Supporting NGOs and human rights organizations that work to promote peace.
• Encouraging independent media to expose violence and counter extremist narratives.
• Engaging youth and cultural movements that promote dialogue and coexistence.

No Peace Without the Courage to Confront Violence

Can Peace Be Achieved While Ignoring Crimes and Injustices?

Peace is not just a slogan—it is a commitment and responsibility. If we truly seek peace, we must:

• Stop being passive and silent.
• Take a firm stance against violence, extremism, and discrimination.
• Support movements that promote peace instead of allowing extremists to dominate.

Peace Does Not Mean Submission

Some people believe that advocating for peace means accepting injustice, but this is a dangerous misconception. True peace does not mean allowing violence to persist, but rather confronting it with rational and effective strategies.

• Peace is not achieved through weakness, but through moral and intellectual strength.
• Peace does not mean ignoring violence, but addressing its root causes.
• Peace requires standing up against extremism, not pretending it does not exist.

Conclusion: Are We Ready to Build Peace?

If humanity truly wants peace, it must abandon passivity and submission and start building a world based on justice, awareness, and resistance to violent ideologies.

The world does not need people who merely wish for peace, but people who actively work to make it a reality. When the majority understands this truth and takes action, only then can we hope for a safer and more humane future.