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Book review from Democracy without Borders

Global challenges such as war, poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental destruction are overwhelming nation-states and today’s international institutions. Even the best policies are futile if there are no appropriate political structures in place to implement them. Autocracy and nationalism further undermine global collaboration. 

Achieving a peaceful, just and sustainable world civilization requires an evolutionary leap forward. Following the emergence of democracy in ancient times and its spread to modern states from the 18th century onwards, a third democratic transformation is imminent: expanding democracy to the global scale. The creation of a democratic world parliament is the centerpiece of this project. 

This book explores the history, contemporary relevance and implementation of this monumental idea. 

This updated and revised edition expands the size by about one fifth.

Published in July 2024, 541 pages.

About the book

History and pioneers

The first part of the book explores the philosophical foundations of cosmopolitanism and a world parliament since ancient times. It fills a gap in the literature by tracing the history of the idea and of the attempts to bring it about from the French Revolution to the present day. In this regard, the book also serves as a comprehensive reference.

Contemporary relevance

The second part sets the issue in the context of global challenges such as climate change and planetary boundaries, the management of public goods, the pandemic threat, the stability of the financial system, combating tax evasion, terrorism and organized crime, disarmament, and protecting human rights. The construction of global democracy also plays a decisive role in combating hunger, poverty and inequality and in global water policy. Rapid developments in the fields of bio- and nanotechnology, robotics and artificial intelligence are giving rise to fundamental questions that humanity is not prepared for.

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How can parliamentarians promote a culture of peace?

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There is an overarching narrative that exposes the dysfunctions and deficiencies of the international system. At the same time, the alternative of a democratic world order and its underlying principles is presented with increasing depth. The authors stress that there is a right to democracy that applies not only to the national but also to the global level. Against the backdrop of the power structures of the transnational elite, the book argues for the implementation of a new global social contract. Finally, it outlines the contours of a new global enlightenment as well as the emergence of planetary consciousness and global solidarity.

Implementation

The third part discusses pathways, drivers and conditions for a transition to global democracy and outlines elements of a future global constitution. The book suggests that the establishment of a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly represents a first step that is long overdue.

Second edition

The second edition reflects significant developments since the original publication, in particular the COVID-19 pandemic, autocratization, and the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. It incorporates linguistic improvements, updated content, extensive revisions, and additions throughout the book.

Review

“A World Parliament achieves several things. First, it shows how the campaign to create a people’s assembly at the UN carries the baton forward in a long history of efforts to overcome nationalist and racist hatred, discrimination and oppression. Second, it demonstrates why the world’s multiple challenges and crises cannot be addressed effectively and legitimately without a democratic body where everyone on the planet is represented as free and equal. Third, it offers a stirring vision of such a world parliament and a realistic plan of action for bringing it about. Each of these is a major accomplishment. Achieving them all in one book is a triumph.”

Mathias Koenig-Archibugi, Associate Professor of Global Politics in the Departments of Government and International Relations, London School of Economics and Political Sciences

The authors

Andreas Bummel: founder of Democracy Without Borders and the international Campaign for a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly. 

Jo Leinen: former member of the European Parliament and former minister of the environment in the German state of Saarland

(Thank you to Peter Newton for sending this article to CPNN.)

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A press release from Uniting for Peace

On 14th November 2024, Uniting for Peace is hosting a conference on Culture of Peace. A panel of distinguished speakers will be giving their contribution. When all the speakers have spoken then we open up the Q/A which goes on for an hour. Free Online Event, All Welcome to attend.

Title: Why We Fight Wars? Can a Culture of Peace Revolution Work Towards Its End?


Date: Thursday, 14 November 2024
Time: 18:00 – 20:00 (UK time)


To register: https://cultureofpeace2024.eventbrite.co.uk/


Direct link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3482765417?pwd=dXI1WXJRUS9TbHowWVhVNDVMRlR5QT09&omn=89125388863


Meeting ID: 348 276 5417


Passcode: 2022

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Chair – Rita Payne, President Emeritus, Commonwealth Journalists Association


Speakers:


Federico Mayor Zaragoza, Former Director-General of UNESCO, Founder, Fundación Cultura de Paz and Author, The World Ahead: Our Future in the Making


Vijay Mehta, Chair, Uniting for Peace, Author, How Not To Go To War


David Adams, Former UNESCO Director, Unit for the International Year for the Culture of Peace, Coordinator, The Culture of Peace News Network


John Gittings, Former The Guardian Journalist Specialised on China and East Asia, Author, The Glorious Art of Peace


Rivera Sun, Editor, Nonviolence News, Program Coordinator for Campaign Nonviolence, Author, The Dandelion Insurrection


Ken Butigan, Senior Professional Lecturer in the Peace, Justice and Conflict Studies Program, DePaul University, Chicago USA

Blurb of the conference is below:

United Nations has declared the official theme for this year 2024 International Day of Peace as Cultivating a Culture of Peace. The pertinent question is: Is war a necessary evil or an organised crime to kill our own human species? Either way, war kills people bringing untold suffering and misery. Also, it’s a waste of vital resources which can be utilised for healthcare, education, jobs and boosting the growth of the economy. If the later argument is valid, then can we replace war by implementing Culture of Peace.

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A press release from World Future Council (slightly abridged)

The World Future Council is delighted to announce 12 exceptional finalists for the 2024 World Future Policy Award on Peace and Future Generations.

From 47 nominations across 29 countries, our distinguished panel of international experts has selected these finalists for their outstanding contributions to sustainable peacebuilding and the well-being of both present and future generations.

The five winners will be revealed and honoured at our high-level award ceremony on 27 November 2024 at the Maison de la Paix in Geneva.

The World Future Policy Award celebrates top policy solutions for current and future generations. We raise global awareness of exemplary laws and policies, accelerating policy action towards a common future where every person lives in dignity on a healthy, sustainable planet. As the world’s premier policy prize, we showcase inspiring and effective policies, not individuals, on the international stage. Each year, we focus on one topic where progress is particularly urgent and receive nominations from across the globe. This year’s topic is Peace and Future Generations.

Enduring peace is perhaps the most critical component for the sustainable development of societies and the protection of both people and the planet. Our global community is in desperate need of creative and inclusive policy solutions at all levels to resolve conflict, prevent war, and foster a culture of peace. The good news is, these policies exist!

Finalists (in alphabetical order)

Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (2017)

Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP), focuses on promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls. Its feminist approach addresses systemic gender inequalities, engages men and boys, and fosters inclusive participation. The policy has been implemented in countries like Afghanistan (supporting women’s rights and economic empowerment), Iraq (establishing centres for survivors of sexual violence), Senegal (empowering women in agriculture), and Cambodia (improving food security through climate-resilient agriculture). The FIAP’s influence extends to international development policies, contributing to sustainable peace and security initiatives. .

Costa Rica’s Abolition of the Army (1948) and Affirmation of Active Neutrality (1983 and 2014)

Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948, embedding this in the Constitution (Article 12), followed by the Proclamation of Active, Unarmed, and Perpetual Neutrality in 1983 and the Proclamation of Peace as a Human Right and of Costa Rica as a Neutral Country in 2014. These milestones removed military influence from politics, promoted international peace, and directed resources to social and economic development.. .

Finland’s Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan (2018-2021)

Finland’s third National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace, and Security builds on previous plans to enhance gender equality in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. It prioritises women’s participation in peace processes, mediation, gender mainstreaming in security sectors, and the protection of women and girls in conflict zones, while addressing new global security challenges. The plan exemplifies Finland’s leadership in the international WPS agenda, with strong civil society involvement ensuring an inclusive and adaptable approach. . . .

The Great Law of Peace of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy (Kaianere’ko:wa) (12th/13th Century- ongoing)

The Great Law of Peace, established in the 12th or 13th century, united the Haudenosaunee nations in what is now New York and Canada under a governance system prioritising peace, consensus decision-making, and sustainability. Key features include gender equity through the role of Clan Mothers and a commitment to long-term environmental stewardship. Its influence extended beyond its region, contributing to modern democratic principles and treaty law. . . .

Kauswagan – From Arms to Farms Program (Phillippines) (2010)

Launched in 2010 in Kauswagan, Philippines, the “From Arms to Farms” program reintegrates former combatants through sustainable agriculture, promoting peace between Christian and Muslim communities. By focusing on organic farming and community-led development, the program has transformed conflict zones into peaceful, productive areas. The program significantly reduced poverty from 80% in 2010 to 9.1 % in 2020, increasing food security, while enhancing social cohesion.

Mayor Rommel C. Arnado led consultations and dialogues to address concerns and build trust, encouraging all parties to embrace the program’s potential for positive change. This innovative, effective and holistic approach serves as an exemplary model for peacebuilding initiatives and sustainable development in conflict-affected areas.

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The Moriori Peace Covenant (Nunuku’s Law) (16th Century – ongoing)

The Moriori Peace Covenant (Nunuku’s Law) is an extraordinary example of a long-standing commitment to peace, nonviolence, and future generations. Established in the 16th century, it prohibits violence among the indigenous Moriori of Rēkohu (Chatham Islands, New Zealand). Despite facing immense aggression and discrimination from Māori tribes Ngāti Mutunga and Ngāti Tama, and later European settlers, the Moriori upheld their commitment to non-violence.Though this led to tragic losses, the Covenant became a powerful symbol of resilience ad integrity. . .

The Nigerian National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security (NNAPYPS) (2021)

The Nigerian National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security (NNAPYPS) was developed in response to UN Security Council Resolution 2250, making Nigeria the first African country and second globally to adopt such a policy. It seeks to engage youth in peacebuilding and conflict prevention, focusing on vulnerabilities like unemployment and empowering young people as peacebuilders. Despite contextual challenges, NNAPYPS shows great potential and has already improved youth engagement and representation, with incremental replication at the state level.
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Peace Education – Executive Order No. 570: Institutionalising Peace Education in Basic Education and Teacher Education (2006)

Executive Order No. 570, implemented in the Philippines, institutionalises peace education in basic and teacher education. Its goal is to promote a culture of peace by equipping students and educators with conflict resolution and nonviolent skills. The policy integrates peace education into the formal curriculum and fosters collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, schools and universities. Key outcomes include reduced school violence and the empowerment of educators and students to address the root causes of conflict, contributing to national unity and social cohesion. . . .

Rwanda Peace Education Programme (2013)

Rwanda’s Peace Education Programme (RPEP) aims to promote peace, social cohesion, and reconciliation following the 1994 genocide. It integrates Peace and Values Education into the national curriculum, focusing on empathy, critical thinking, and conflict prevention. The programme uniquely employs a Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) and narrativebased teaching, using survivor testimonies to deepen understanding of peacebuilding. Key outcomes include improved social cohesion and a stronger culture of reconciliation, positioning the programme as a strong model for peace education. . .

Supporting Bougainvillean-Owned Peace: The New Zealand-Led Pacific Partnership for Peace Monitoring and Mediation (1997-1998)

The Bougainville peace process is a uniquely successful example of regionally supported, locally led conflict resolution. The New Zealand-led Pacific Partnership for Peace (1997-1998) played a key role in this process after nearly a decade of civil war. The initiative’s main components, the Burnham Talks and the Truce Monitoring Group, used a ‘light intervention’ approach characterised by inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, unarmed truce monitoring, and diplomacy. This policy contributed to a sustainable, locally-led ceasefire and stabilisation of the conflict. . . .

Switzerland’s Active Neutrality Policy (1815/1848/1907)

Switzerland’s Active Neutrality Policy, declared in 1815 and embedded in the Swiss Constitution in 1848, was codified in international law through the Hague Conventions of 1907. Its aim is to safeguard Switzerland’s independence and security by avoiding military involvement in wars while actively promoting global peace through diplomacy and humanitarian aid. This blend of military neutrality with diplomatic engagement has led to Switzerland’s leadership in the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), mediation in international conflicts, and providing humanitarian aid and refuge during crises. Over time, it has strengthened Switzerland’s stability, security, and role in global peacebuilding.

Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015

The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 is a landmark policy designed to promote sustainable development across all public bodies in Wales. Its core aim is to enhance the economic, social, environmental, and cultural well-being of Wales, ensuring that present decisions do not compromise future generations. The Act mandates legal accountability for public bodies and prioritises community engagement at all levels, fostering economic resilience, environmental preservation, and social cohesion.

“At a time when we are experiencing the highest number and intensity of armed conflicts this century, it is vital to find, analyse and learn from successful approaches in conflict resolution and peace-building. We are excited to have received a high number of nominations of successful policies from a wide variety of places around the world. We can be inspired by these to build a more peaceful world for current and future generations. “— Alyn Ware, Spokesperson for Peace and Disarmament, World Future Council & Jury Member, 2024 World Future Polic

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Special to CPNN from Dr. Steven Handwerker*

” Dialogue must transform recrimination…innovative justice has to displace vengeance…determination over a long period of time is required to overcome entrenched forces… (and a ) ..transformation of motivation must accompany action.” (Hopkins, 2000)

      Throughout the course of human history, there is no doubt, that often, the outcome of a violent and/or potentially violent encounter is dependent upon the character strengths of the negotiators and peace workers. In this practitioner’s 50-year history in the realms of peace building, as a clinician, mediator, and educator, five traits and qualities were essential.

Photo of Nobel Peace Prize winners on the cover of the Hopkins book

– First, is clarity and faith in intent to create peace (Hopkins 2000), (Nelson 2021) and (Alston 2010).

– Second, not necessarily in order of significance, is empathy/compassion and perspective taking (Hopkins 2000), (Hart 1997), (Groot 2023), (Rogers1980).

– Third, is the vital need to be authentic in all expressions and representations of effort to build peace (Stewart 2021), (Groot 2023).

– Fourth, is Hope (Saleem 2023).

– The fifth quality is perseverance (Zomeren 2018) in the intent and practice, with constant correction in modifying efforts, to move toward the goal of peace (Ueshiba 1992), (Valez 2021). 

From 1997, in the arena of the American Psychological Association, within the divisions of Humanistic Psychology, Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, Peace Psychology, and International Psychology, a working group was established to build peace in each of these venues through various efforts. This has been manifest in over 200 symposia, ongoing endeavors, newsletter articles, and working group meetings and discussions where examples of the applications of these character strengths were presented.

Community work in Haiti

For many years the international focus of our peace work has been focused on the economically and environmentally devastated population of Haiti. The work included humanitarian assistance and trauma relief as well as economic support. We worked with faith leaders, corporate leaders, NGOs and colleagues on behalf of these displaced and traumatized people. In addition, employment opportunities were created. The engagement of community-academic partnerships with community psychologists allowed for effective collaborative actions. Perspective taking within a cultural-relational perspective (Zomeren, 2018) helped to make our ongoing evaluation process reliable and effective. Many jobs for youths and sustainable projects in academic settings were created as byproducts. (Stewart 2021) addresses these issues and describes how important evaluative actions occur with trusted partners across community sectors to provide alternatives within socioeconomic levels.

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We examined underlying processes and thereby administered and maintained a humanitarian and sustainable initiative for several years. We were able to infuse hope into the populace for this period of time (Saleem, 2023) which significantly moderated the relationship between an intolerance of uncertainty and psychological wellbeing.  This highlighted the importance of hope as a protective factor within a highly compromised population. Hope is a critical coping strategy, within an environment of a humanitarian and sustainable initiative along with economic support (Saleem, Appiah-Boateng, 2023).  As Tolstoy expressed, “the strongest of all warriors (in the battle to create peace) are these two – time and patience.” 

* Dr. Handwerker is a licensed psychologist. His website is www.peacewk.org and his email is peacewk@peacewk.org.

References

Alston, B. (2010) editor. Chapter on “Promoting deeper values: lessons learned and some common themes” in Visions in Conflict: International Perspectives on Values and Enmity. ND Enterprises. Hawaii, USA.

Appiah-Boateng, S. , Bukari, K.N. (2023) Coping Strategies for Victims of Farmer-Herder Conflicts in Ghana. Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology. 29(4), 448-458. https://doi.org/10.1037/pac0000655.

Groot, M., Schaafsma, J., Veerkamp, J. et. al. (2023) “Righting the Wrong”: A Multicounty Study on Peoples Perceptions of “Making  Things Right” in the Wake of Human Rights Violations. Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology. 29(4), 394-408. https://doi.org/10.1037/pac0000691.

Handwerker, S. (2023) “On Building Societal Peace: A Humanistic and Humanitarian View. Society for Humanistic Psychology November Newsletter. 

Hart, T. (1997) Transcendental Empathy is the Therapeutic Encounter. The Humanistic Psychologist. 25(3),245-270. https://doi.org/10.1080/08873267.1997.9986885.

Hopkins, J. editor (2000). The Art of Peace. Snow Lion Publications, New York. ISBN: 1-55939-149-9. https://www.shambhala.com/snowlion_articles/the-art-of-peace/https://www.shambhala.com/snowlion_articles/the-art-of-peace/.

Nelson, L. (2021) Identifying determinants of individual peacefulness: A psychological foundation for peace education. Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology. 27(2), 109-119.

Rogers, C. R.. (1980) A way of being. Houghton Mifflin. New York. 

Saleem, M. , Rizvi, T. & Bashir, I. (2023) The role of hope in buffering the influence of intolerance of uncertainty on student’s psychological well-being. Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology. 29(4), 374-384. https://doi.org/10.1037/pac0000697.

Shifferd, K. , Hiller, P. and Swanson, D. (2016) A Global Security System: An Alternative to War. WORLDBEYONDWAR.ORG.

Stewart, D., Jesson, N., and Watson, F. (2021) Examining conflict mediation to prevent violence through multivector partnerships. Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology. 27(2), 170-81.

Ueshiba, M. (1992) The art of peace. Shambhala. New York.

Valez, G. and Gerstein, L. (2021) Supporting peaceful individuals, groups and socieities. Peace psychology and peace education. Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology. 27(2), 103-108.

United Nations (1948) Universal Declaration on Human Rights.

Yueh-Ting Lee and Holt, L. (2019) Chapter 6 Daoist Psychology, Peace and the Process of Transformation. in Dao and Daoist Ideas for Scientists, Humanists and Practitioners. Nova Science Publishers. New York. ISBN: 978-1-53616-544-9.

Zomeren, M. (2018) Social Movements and Political and Social Transformation: In Search of a Bigger Picture: A Cultural-Relational Perspective on Social Transformation and Violence. Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology. 24(1), 171-76.