Peacemaking, Conflict Analysis, and Resolution: The Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. espoused a philosophical framework and methodological strategy for nonviolent social change at a time when the field of peacemaking, conflict analysis, and conflict resolution theory and practice (PCAR)1 was still young (mid-1950s to mid-1960s). Although there is no clear evidence to suggest that King was exposed to PCAR paradigms,2 it is reasonable to assume had his life not been cut short, his work and writings would have had a significant role in the development of the fields of conflict resolution and peacemaking, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding.3 This is true in the case of both theory and practice.

In considering King’s philosophy, one quickly recognizes an evolving framework cut short by his untimely death. A review of his utterances—speeches, writings, and sermons—over his relatively short campaign reveals a clear evolution in his thinking about the world and his nonviolence philosophy. New ideas and constructs such as globalization and modern-day forms of terrorism had not fully emerged as contending challenges and phenomena in interpreting the human experience during King’s life. His philosophy and methodologies, therefore, must be understood and examined in the context of his time. Further, one must explore whether post-King philosophical ideas and anthropological phenomena would have influenced the evolution of King’s understanding of the world, and thus, his nonviolence framework. This raises the question: Is his philosophy of nonviolence relevant to today’s challenges of globalization and global/international, social/cultural conflicts?

This chapter discusses King’s legacy to today’s peacemaking, conflict analysis, and conflict resolution theory and practice (PCAR). It posits that King’s legacy to PCAR is his philosophical worldview and his logic of nonviolence,4 or his theory of change to effect human liberation.

If his legacy thus defined is to be meaningful in the 21st century, then it must be responsive to a second question: What can his worldview and logic of nonviolence contribute to PCAR today? With these considerations as a backdrop, this chapter also explores King’s legacy to PCAR theory as it examines his philosophical thesis. It then discusses concrete ideas about application of his framework to global/international and/or social-cultural conflicts. Finally, it briefly examines what challenges his framework might encounter when applied in different cultural settings and circumstances.

In a world where conflict is never ending, this thoughtful compilation fosters a new appreciation of the art of peacemaking as it is understood and practiced in a variety of contemporary settings.

Whenever we seek to understand others, build healthy relationships, soothe discord, right wrongs, or nurture respect, we are making peace. Whatever the situation, peacemaking is about learning—learning the other; learning the issue; learning the future; learning to co-create a new, shared reality. The more we know about how peace is made, the better equipped we are to help peace prevail.

Peacemaking: From Practice to Theory is about seeing, knowing, and learning peacemaking as it exists in the real world. Built on the premise that peacemaking is among the most elemental of human experiences, this seminal work emphasizes the importance of practice and lived experiences in understanding the process and learning what works to nurture peace.

To appropriately reflect the diversity of peacemaking practices, challenges, and innovations, these two volumes bring together many authors and viewpoints. The first volume consists of two sections: "Peacemaking in Practice" and "Towards an Inclusive Peacemaking;" the second of two additional sections: "New Directions in Peacemaking" and "Interpreting Peacemaking." As the title states, the work moves peacemaking beyond mere theory, showcasing peacemaking efforts produced, recorded, recognized, and understood by a variety of individuals and institutions. In doing so, it refocuses the study of peacemaking and guides readers to a systematic understanding and appreciation of the practices of peacemakers around the globe.

Features
• Contributions from an international, interdisciplinary team of 48 experts who bring together insights from peace and conflict resolution studies, anthropology, sociology, law, cultural studies, and political science
• First-person narratives detailing the experiences of prominent peacemakers
• Offers access to an ongoing, Internet-based, practice-to-theory project
• An extensive bibliography of resources about peacemaking and related fields

Highlights
• Recognizes and promotes peacemaking as an empirical, shared human experience
• Proposes a practice-to-theory movement for facilitating peacemaking, linking academic research with practice across disciplines
• Draws on insights from multiple religious and philosophical traditions
• Enriches the reader's understanding of the evolving international system