Increase the peace

"How do we address conflict in ways that reduce violence and increase justice in human relationships?" (Lederach, 2003, p. 20)

Far too often, vexingly, justice is defined as punishment, even killing. "Our family demands justice!" as they clamor for the death penalty. "Lock her up! Lock her up!" is framed by some as a call for justice. 

Part of the core approach inherent in the discipline of Conflict Transformation is that nonviolent methods achieve more justice and more sustainable justice than the tired old notions of justice by additional harm. 

This is not a path toward cowardice and injustice. This is not about abolishing law or law enforcement. This is not about allowing bullies to do what they want without costs. It's also not about Just War doctrines. 

Instead, it's about imposing costs that don't physically harm people's bodies. Those costs may be imposed in many other ways, which is the challenge to creativity rather than the simplistic "hang 'em high" code of vengeance.

Lederach, John Paul (2003). The little book of conflict transformation. Intercourse, PA: Good Books.