Rethinking Peace: Some Reflections on The Imaginary Nature of Contemporary Peace Model

In this theoretical article, the imaginary nature of the contemporary peacePeace model is explored. Imaginary peaceImaginary peace takes people beyond the boundaries of existing conflictConflict and violence, by giving people something to strive for. As a method rather than a goal, imaginary peacePeace gives societies options on how to modify or improve their crisis situations. Using a qualitative research approach through documentary analysis, this article reflects on the use of the imaginary peaceImaginary peace in creating positive mental images that outlive conflict-ravaged societies. The analysis reveals that peacePeace is not only limited to an experienced reality of peaceful co-existence, tolerance and nonviolent resolution of conflict, but is also an invention and creative process that originates in our imagination. The article concludes that societies need to utilise the imaginary peacePeace through dreams and visions of a peaceful future in order to outlive crisis situations such as violent conflict. The strength of imagery peacePeace is that it has the potential to generate commitment to achieving a better and more peaceful future, even in the face of violence in conflict-ravaged communities.