Reinterpreting (International) Peace by Reconsidering the Meaning of Security

While the international perspective on securing peace, that is, avoiding military conflicts between countries, should not be denied, neither should the domestic aspect be neglected in its contribution to international peace. After all, domestic instability as a result of underdevelopment or extensive inequality is a prominent issue that can be a source of both political volatility and armed conflicts. Highlighting the relevance of the human security concept reemphasizes the domestic perspective of insecurity. Linked to such a change of perspective concerning peace is that, while the contemporary discourse on security once again is dominated by a realist perspective, we can identify a previous and influential discourse of reinterpreting security through the critical security studies approach. Yet while this was once an influential contribution to reimagining security, it seems to have lost some of its recognition, even though a reevaluation of the wider challenges to security is more than ever of critical importance, considering the fundamental challenges humanity is facing. It is also worth recalling Galtung’s assessment of negative and positive peace, that the absence of violence is insufficient for real peace, as there is a social dimension to peace, as well.