Abolishing War: Dialogue with Peace Scholars Elise Boulding and Randall Forsberg

by Elise Boulding, Randall Forsberg

This dialogue between peace activists Elise Boulding and Randall Forsberg examines the strategies necessary to effect the end of war. Focusing on cultures and institutions, these innovative thinkers posit two different but complementary approaches. Their dialogues, as well as seminar participant responses and invited commentaries, are useful for students of the peace process both inside and outside of classrooms as a stimulus for discussion and action. Dr. Forsberg argues persuasively that the only allowable use of military force should be for defensive purposes and that nations -- and peace activists -- should be working toward international agreements which mandate that the only acceptable use of force would be for defense. War, Randall Forsberg posits, should become as unthinkable a mode of behavior to us as cannibalism has become. Dr. Boulding's approach to the abolition of war is a family-centered, culture-oriented approach that looks to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) as important catalysts for change. History, she contends, shows that deterrence doesn't work. Further, she argues, war socializes people into more aggressive behavior. What we need, she contends, is to teach people to live with one another and Earth. We must teach people to "deal creatively with their differences and share their resources."

124 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998