Peace and Conflict: Key Terms for International Relations

Negative peace

The absence of direct violence or conflict between actors. Example: North and South Korea are not actively fighting, but tensions still exist.

Direct violence

Physical harm or injury inflicted by an identifiable actor. Example: Russia's invasion of Ukraine involves military attacks causing death and destruction.

Structural violence

Harm caused by unequal systems that prevent people from meeting basic needs. Example: Poverty limiting access to healthcare in developing countries.

Cultural violence

Beliefs or norms that justify or legitimize violence or inequality. Example: Gender discrimination justified by traditional cultural beliefs.

Positive peace

The presence of justice, equality, and stable social systems, not just absence of violence. Example: Scandinavian countries promoting equality, welfare, and social stability.

Balance of power

A distribution of power among states so that no one state dominates. Example: NATO balancing Russia's influence in Europe.

Feminist peace

An approach emphasizing gender equality and the role of women in achieving peace. Example: UN efforts to include women in peace negotiations.

Destructive conflict

Conflict that escalates and causes harm or breakdown of relationships. Example: The Syrian Civil War causing widespread destruction.

Constructive conflict

Conflict that leads to positive change or problem-solving. Example: Peaceful protests leading to policy reforms.

Strategic non-violence

The intentional use of non-violent methods to achieve change. Example: Climate strikes organized by students worldwide.

Non-violent resistance

Opposition to authority without using physical force. Example: Protests against authoritarian governments using marches and boycotts.

Pacifism

The belief that violence and war are never justified. Example: Individuals refusing military service due to moral beliefs.

Geneva Conventions

International treaties that establish rules for humanitarian treatment in war. Example: Laws protecting prisoners of war.

Primary disputants

The main actors directly involved in a conflict. Example: Russia and Ukraine in the Ukraine war.

Interstate conflict

Conflict between two or more states. Example: India and Pakistan tensions over Kashmir.

Intrastate conflict

Conflict within a single state. Example: Civil war in Syria.

Secondary parties to conflict

Actors indirectly involved who support one side. Example: The U.S. providing aid to Ukraine.

Third parties to conflict

Neutral actors who try to resolve conflict. Example: The UN mediating peace talks.

Violent state actors

Government actors that use violence to achieve goals. Example: A state military engaging in war.

Collective defense

An agreement where states defend each other if attacked. Example: NATO's mutual defense agreement.

Violent non-state actors

Non-government groups that use violence. Example: ISIS carrying out attacks.

Non-violent state actors

States that use non-violent methods like diplomacy. Example: Governments negotiating trade agreements.

Non-violent non-state actors

Non-government groups using peaceful methods. Example: NGOs advocating for human rights.

Track I diplomacy

Official negotiations between governments. Example: Peace talks between national leaders.

Track II diplomacy

Informal negotiations by non-state actors. Example: Academics or NGOs facilitating dialogue.

Non-state conflict

Conflict between non-state actors. Example: Fighting between rival militias.

Extrastate conflict

Conflict between a state and a non-state actor outside its borders. Example: U.S. fighting terrorist groups abroad.

Identity conflict

Conflict based on ethnicity, religion, or culture. Example: Ethnic tensions in Myanmar.

Interest-based conflict

Conflict over resources or economic interests. Example: Disputes over oil or land.

Human needs theory of conflict

The idea that conflict arises when basic human needs are not met. Example: Protests caused by lack of food or security.

Ideological conflict

Conflict between different belief systems. Example: Cold War tensions between capitalism and communism.

'Just War' theory

The idea that war can be morally justified under certain conditions. Example: Military intervention to stop genocide.

Symmetric conflict

Conflict between actors with similar power. Example: War between two developed states.

Asymmetric conflict

Conflict between actors with unequal power. Example: A strong military fighting a guerrilla group.

Guerrilla warfare

Irregular fighting using small, mobile groups. Example: Taliban tactics in Afghanistan.

Counterinsurgency

Efforts to defeat insurgent groups and restore control. Example: U.S. operations against insurgents in Iraq.

Terrorism

The use of violence against civilians to create fear for political purposes. Example: 9/11

Cyber conflict

Conflict carried out through digital attacks. Example: 2020 SolarWinds cyber attack

Non-violent conflict

Conflict that does not involve physical violence. Example: Trade disputes between countries.

Peacemaking

Actions to bring conflicting parties to agreement. Example: Negotiating a ceasefire.

Mediation

A third party helps resolve a conflict. Example: UN mediators facilitating peace talks.

Peace treaties

Formal agreements to end conflict. Example: 2025 Azerbaijan-Armenia peace treaty

Sanctions

Penalties imposed to influence behavior. Example: Economic sanctions on Russia.

Embargoes

A ban on trade with a country. Example: Trade restrictions placed on North Korea.

Election observers

Individuals who monitor elections for fairness. Example: International observers overseeing elections.

Peacekeeping

Deployment of forces to maintain peace. Example: UN peacekeepers in conflict zones.

Genocide

The intentional destruction of a group of people. Example: The persecution of the Rohingya in Myanmar.

Peacebuilding

Long-term efforts to create lasting peace. Example: Colombia's peace process since the 2016 agreement with FARC

Restorative justice

Repairing harm through reconciliation between victims and offenders. Example: South Africa - Truth and Reconciliation Commission

Truth and reconciliation commissions

Groups that investigate past abuses to promote healing. Example: South Africa's post-apartheid reconciliation process.