CULTURE OF PEACE: A POTENT TOOL AGAINST TERRORISM

Abstract

There is no gainsaying the fact that terrorism is a major threat to the survival of this generation, the international community or the civilised world. It is noted that peace had largely prevailed globally since the end of the World War II. However, it will be argued in this paper that terrorism has successfully but unfortunately interrupted international culture of peace. The apprehensions are rife. Everyone is vulnerable to terrorist attacks. Since stringent legislative measures and military warfare have proved ineffective in halting acts of terrorism globally, this paper seeks to advance a paradigm shift in the strategies being employed by various nations in combating the menace. The premise of this paper is to proffer pragmatic way of getting this done. The Culture of Peace is the key strategy. Sadly, the global community has underestimated the potency of cultural values, education, tolerance, peace and understanding in countering violent extremism. It will be argued that international cultural re-orientation and broad based education is very crucial in the ongoing international alliance against the culture of war (terrorism) being waged against humanity by unpatriotic elements. International political will, patriotism and consciousness awakening are the needs of the hour, for effective response to the growth of terrorism. Any strategies for check-mating terrorism advancement, anywhere in the world, need to be comprehensive, all-encompassing, multiprolonged but dynamic. It must also be capable of constant review and priority driven. Culture is cardinal in this regard. The foregoing standpoint is not the same as the usual media vibe. The argument here is that, since terrorism starts from the mind, the culture of peace must be infused and integrated into the national and international education systems. Terrorism mentality impartation can be prevented if culture of peace is proactively instilled into the young minds before extremists get them derailed.