From “negative peace” to “positive peace” in peace agreements and peace theories
The following text cites a number of significant peace agreements, marking a gradual evolution in the understanding of the word peace: from the temporary absence of war (truce), which today is defined as “negative peace” because the word “peace” is then defined by what it is not, to the consolidation of peace between populations, based on the notion of “positive peace”, i.e. a peace dynamic founded on a culture of peace that promotes living together well. Positive peace is defined by what it is and by what it brings.
In ancient times
Periods of calm between 2 wars, fixed by treaty in a still highly militarized environment, and often accompanied by matrimonial arrangements.
- 2400 BC: 1st (known) peace treaty: Treaty of brotherhood to reach agreement between adversaries in Mesopotamia
- 2350 BC: 1st known written peace treaty: between 2 Syrian cities
- 2000 to 1000 BC: Periods of calm between multiple wars, great diplomatic activity
- 1275 BC: Peace treaty to stabilize a border between Ramses II (defeated Egypt) and the Hittites.
Between 500 BC and 500 AD
Attempts to end wars
Between 500 and 850
Period of expansion of the notion of peace to include benefits beyond the cessation of war
Between 850 and 1528
A period when peace treaties are limited to mutual recognition of territories and sovereignties.
Between 1529 and 1945
Period when peace agreements include reciprocal agreements and alliances, as well as demilitarization measures.
Post 1945 to present
- Europe and Japan become more peaceful.
- Weapons are increasingly devastating.
- Mercantile interests favor wars over natural resources and reconstruction contracts.
- Wars are also fought by militias, paramilitaries and isolated groups, and not just between armies.
Post 1990 to date
Peace agreements are increasingly aimed at living together, and if possible, living well together, given the mixed identities, cultures, religions and/or politics of the regions in conflict (Ireland, the Middle East, the Philippines, Algeria, South Africa, Rwanda, other countries in Africa and elsewhere, etc.).
Peace promotion and peacebuilding activities are increasing significantly, with a focus that goes beyond stopping wars and towards a positive peace built on cooperation, development and acceptance of others.
Conclusions on peace agreements through the ages :
The vast majority of peace agreements are negative peace agreements.
(limited to the absence of war and military respect for borders).
Some peace agreements are examples of positive peace
Those who realize the aspirations of human understanding:
- Mutual respect for people’s lives, physical integrity, vital needs, cultural identities and spiritual choices
- Agreement, harmony, concord, happiness (mutual)
- Cooperation, mutual aid
- Freedom of enterprise, freedom of movement, freedom to trade, freedom of expression…
- Mutual respect for each other’s political territory and private property.
Examples:
– the very first Treaty of Brotherhood (2400 BC) in Sumer
– the Treaty of Peace between Tibet and China (822), which aims to make people happy
– the Treaty of Versailles (1919), which heralds the creation of the League of Nations
– the Treaty of St Germain (1919), which concretizes the aspirations of some to be free nations.
Some agreements include elements of positive peace
Those that provide mutual guarantees of practical benefits, such as :
- personal safety
- religious freedom
- the free movement of people and goods
- protection of goods, …
Examples:
– the Treaty of Perpetual Peace (587) between 2 kings of pre-French territories
– the Treaty of St. Julien between Genevois and Savoyards (1603).