A Paradigm Shift to a Nonkilling World Future

an article by Bill Bhaneja

Is a nonkilling global society feasible? Professor Paige in his path-breaking book asks this simple yet profound question, but goes a step further to challenge his discipline, questioning, if a nonkilling global political science is achievable. On both counts, through insightful analysis and substantive evidence, his answer is a resounding "yes."

Glenn Paige, a political science professor at the University of Hawaii, writes from experience, having served in the Korean war. His use of the term "nonkilling" is very specific, grounded in the evidence-based approach of behavioral sciences. He shows that less than one percent of all homo sapiens have been killers of fellow humans. Why not then to train, people and nations globally to strengthen their resistance to kill?

His vision is for social science research to dedicate itself to a diagnosis of the pathology of lethality, and to discover both prescriptions and treatments that can be shared with all who seek to remove killing from global life.

He refers to medical science as a model. Through its emphasis on research and training on prevention, intervention, and post-traumatic transformation strategies, it has proven successful in producing both knowledge and practitioners for the moral interest of preservation of life. Paige considers that same commitment to non-lethality can be made applicable to social sciences.

Paige concludes that the time has come for a paradigm-shift in the discipline: "If tradition has taught that we must kill to be free, equal and secure -- the present teaches that unless we stop killing not only freedom and equality are in jeopardy but our very survival."

He is optimistic that this goal is reachable. The book is provocative and creative, a wonderful tonic for these troubled times.

Book details: Paige, Glenn D. , Nonkilling Global Political Science, Xlibris: Philadelphia, 2002, 239 pp., ISBN# Hardcover 0-7388-5744-0, Paperback 0 -7388-5745-9

This work can be also downloaded from: globalnonviolence.org.

DISCUSSION

Question(s) related to this article:

Are nonkilling societies possible?, If yes, what should we be doing? If not, what will happen to us?

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LATEST READER COMMENT:

Of course, they are made of people.  Non-killing people are possible(of humans) so I think it's important to understand how these people communicate to themselves and how they interpret the words and actions of others.  Franz DeWaal is biologist who is explaining us as social animals with innate capacities of morality.  Any organization or person that kills really needs to listen to how peaceful people do the right thing.  Once they see how its possible, their innate capacities will take over as it has done for us.  It's a matter of belief... peace must seem like a really positive thing to do, instinctually... it's just how are human family is. . ...more.

This report was posted on July 14, 2004.

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