Can There Be Mutualism among Humankind?

In: Peace and conflict: journal of peace psychology ; the journal of the Society for the Study of Peace, Conflict, and Violence, Peace Psychology Division of the American Psychological Association, Volume 6, Issue 3, p. 223-228

Abstract

Commenting on Elise Boulding's (2000) article, it is argued that "mutualism" as opposed to "dominance" in both interpersonal & interstate relations is a grand vision that could offer hope to many people as the path toward a more peaceful global environment. But can all humankind embrace the spirit of mutualism? Humans have tended to glamorize warfare in many parts of the world. For instance, those who have captured state power through guerrilla warfare have tended to overglamorize their achievements, sending the wrong signal to the young people that "the gun is mightier." In Africa, many people think that violence as a means of changing governments has been encouraged by the emergence of the guerrilla wars, many of which have managed to achieve their major goals & objectives -- at least in the short run. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) & other pressure groups may offer better ways of building a peace culture when they preach nonviolence, reconciliation, & forgiveness. But NGOs have their limitations. 1 Reference. Adapted from the source document.