by Jesse Brown
In the wake of the violence in Mumbai and Beirut, is the world really becoming more peaceful? And where do we find an outlet for the resulting fear?
Last October, in face of seemingly increased threats to global security, Paul Rogers claimed the ‘world is becoming more peaceful’. He referenced empirical data from the Human Security Report as support for his optimistic view. To explain the divergence of image and reality, he noted an unseen factor; the inability of the West to recognize that violence has significantly decreased in other parts of the world. Since the Cold War, despite the horrific and more recent attacks in the West, this would appear to be true, according to the HSR. However, the Crisis Group reported this month that ’13 actual or potential conflicts deteriorated around the world in June’ of this year.
The Crises Group reports that over 60 conflicts have deteriorated or remain unchanged. The majority of which are in the Caucasus, the Middle East, and Africa. Since the report was published on 1 July, we can assume that the status of 'unchanged' in Lebanon can be upgraded to 'deteriorated,' and Israel is now more than a 'risk.' This seems to imply a reversal of Rogers' insight. In the wake of terrorism that spread across some Western states from 2001-2004, real conflicts continued or potential ones were actualized on the periphery. So which is it; is the world more peaceful or should we be more fearful?
Antara Dev Sen, daughter of Nobel Prize winner Amartya Sen and Editor of the Little Magazine from Delhi, spoke with M11's Anthony Barnett about the Mumbai blasts last week. In addition to the death and mass suffering the attacks caused, India's accusation of Pakistan of harbouring the suspected terrorists, has stalled the peace talks as Pakistan considers the claim 'unsubstantiated.' The terrorist attacks were a double edged sword with fruitless effect; destruction and stalemate. This week also saw the terrible increase of violence in the Middle East as Hezbollah and Israel engage in a full-scale war. Is this all cause for fear or a call to action?
What does this kind of news mean for those who are not physically involved or affected by the violence? Even far from the turbulence, uncertainty and fear still permeate, and the need for security and action are visceral. Several organizations are answering the call to action, and have on-going or new initiatives aimed at generating a revitalized sense of democratic community and unity. In doing so, they also provide a necessary outlet.
Open Democracy, along with M11, has sponsored the 'Unite Against Terror' campaign. UAT is a symbolic act of solidarity with communities all over the world. Based in the beliefs of democracy and human rights, it opposes terrorism as acceptable resistance and rejects its perversion of Islam, for those who attempt to associate it. Many virtual communities have linked to the campaign in support of its goals, such as 'Will' at his blog site, general theory of rubbish, and Ahmed from Iraqi Expat. The blog sites, which have become increasingly popular over the past decade, offer a personal means of expression, as well as an alternative for information and community organizing.
In an immediate attempt to address the Lebanese/Israeli crises, M11 has posted an open forum on 'Making Peace in the Middle East?' The aim is to raise provocative and constructive ideas about the current violence as well as with the larger interconnected issues behind it. Also, AID continues its Global Leadership Summit over the next month, including a conference on 'Global Security' in Washington D.C. and the continued debate over the 'Future of US-Islamic World Relations' in Texas. Finally, Next Wednesday, Mark Barrett (People in Common) sponsors an Open Action Forum geared towards 'achieving civil and social rights.' One specific aim is a grassroots campaign for 'an inclusive written constitution.' The forum will take place in London at the Diorama Arts Centre at 18:30. When we discuss, argue, and share, knowledge gives us both a 'real' and 'potential' sense of control.
Whatever the current situation is, be it more or less peaceful in your world, the ratio is irrelevant. If the HSR is correct and violence is decreasing across the globe, there is certainly good news to be had. However, it is not the relation of current conflicts to past ones that is important, but rather their actual existence. These frightfully significant affairs shouldn't be measured in relative numbers but in actual events. Fear is not an acceptable state for anyone to live, and expression can sometimes provide a sacred outlet.
