Abstract
This essay delves into the effectiveness of Economic Integration theory for conflict prevention and resolution. Additionally, it explores the potential of Soft Power and a Culture of Peace as critical assets in designing solutions to prevent violent conflicts and the conflict between Ukraine and Russia is a case example in which Economic Integration failed to prevent violent escalation. Through a literature review of specialised research and conceptual definitions of relevant theories, the work assesses the role of Soft Power for nonviolent conflict resolution, highlighting paradiplomacy and Peace Awareness initiatives as exemplary manifestations of Soft Power. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of directly engaging individuals and decision-makers in Peace Awareness programs such, as initiatives promoted by the Mayors for Peace network, organised by the Prefecture of Hiroshima city, and cited as a model example of Soft Power in action. The essay concludes that the international community must invest in Culture of Peace initiatives and nonviolent alternatives for conflict resolution with the same economic commitment and investment as Hard Power assets to ensure a more peaceful and stable future.
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Notes
- 1.
ISW Institute for the Study of War (2022).
- 2.
ISW Institute for the Study of War (2022).
- 3.
ISW Institute for the Study of War (2023).
- 4.
Fisher et al. (2011).
- 5.
Putnam (1988).
- 6.
Slathia (2019).
- 7.
For broader definitions on peace see Galtung (1969).
- 8.
While theoretical rationality is presupposed, it is undeniable that human beings are also emotional, but for the sake of simplicity, rationality will be assumed during this work. Contributions that consider emotional factors and human psychology are always welcome; however, in this work, the main idea stands that individuals matter in the internal domestic struggles and they translate these power struggles into foreign policy action, conflicts and the final decisions to wage a war or not.
- 9.
Council of Europe (2023).
- 10.
Oliver and Cali (2015).
- 11.
Lee and Pyun (2009).
- 12.
Basri (2022).
- 13.
Mbah and Wasum (2022).
- 14.
Liadze et al. (2022).
- 15.
Nye (1990).
- 16.
Siebold and Stewart (2022).
- 17.
SIPRI Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (2022).
- 18.
Williams and L’Homme (1999).
- 19.
Schultze-Kraft (2022).
- 20.
Galtung (1969).
- 21.
Miyazaki (2021).
- 22.
The Moscow Times (2023).
- 23.
According to RSF, Russia stepped up the repression of journalistic coverage of protests and journalists that present a different version of events other than official sources. We may consider that, at the very least, since repression is reported to have been intensified, then this came as a response to increased protests or a more aggressive approach towards individuals discussing other versions of the events or critic the war.
- 24.
- 25.
- 26.
Mayors for Peace (2022).
- 27.
Putnam (1988).
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Maciel Mendes, V. (2023). Culture of Peace, Soft Power and the Russia–Ukraine Conflict: The Shortcomings of Economic Integration as a Conflict Deterrent and the Potential of Diplomacy and Paradiplomacy for a Culture of Peace. In: Christofoletti, R. (eds) Soft Power and Heritage. The Latin American Studies Book Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-41207-3_5
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