About 2

Who is this guide for?

Study War No More is designed for a wide range of audiences. It is appropriate and adaptable for use in or with:

  • upper-level secondary school classes (history, social studies)
  • undergraduate and graduate peace studies programs
  • community groups
  • activist groups
  • faith-based groups
  • local, state or national government officials
  • family dinner time conversation

How is Study War No More structured?

Study War No More emphasizes consideration and assessment of alternative approaches to the present system of global security. Many will be surprised by the many efficacious nonviolent strategies currently employed in different contexts around the world. By exploring these alternatives learners are encouraged to formulate their own ideas on the most effective and ethically consistent strategies and institutions as the foundations of a global security system. This approach serves two vital purposes.

First, while there is significant research and experimentation on alternative approaches to security, we are far from having all the necessary knowledge to address the problematique of violence between and amongst nations and peoples. New thinking and knowledge must be developed if we are to overcome a culture of war. The more who participate in this collective inquiry the more likely we are to find appropriate solutions. Second, by encouraging learners to formulate their own solutions and map out systems for common security we are more likely to encourage political action to bring these systems into being. Citizen action is absolutely essential for the transformation of the present system.

Each lesson of Study War No More seeks to guide learners through three general inquiries[i]:

  1. What are the fundamental concepts that inform the approach under consideration?
  2. How might we evaluate the potential of the approach to assure common security?
  3. What actions can we take (as individuals or groups) to advance possibilities for change?

[i] These inquiries are adapted from “Teaching Peace: A Study Guide for THE CONQUEST OF WAR. Prepared by Betty A. Reardon and James F. Tierney

Required Resources

Study War No More supports the study of World Beyond War’s landmark publication: A Global Security System: An Alternative to War (AGSS). Now in its second edition (2016), AGSS will be continually updated to reflect global changes and emergent thinking on approaches to peace and security. AGSS is a required resource for Study War No More.

A Global Security System: An Alternative to War is available in several formats:

In addition to AGSS, Study War No More highlights resources from several partners pursuing similar objectives to World Beyond War.

How to use Study War No More

While Study War No More is ideally pursued as a sequential inquiry, individual lessons can be used as a stand-alone guide for discussion and inquiry delving into specific topics. The questions and activities provided are offered to guide discussion in a flexible manner: feel free to pick and choose as well as adapt questions and activities to meet the needs of your group.

The lessons of Study War No More are divided into five conceptual sections. The number of lessons a class or study group may be able to pursue will vary. For those desiring a holistic inquiry we recommend exploring a minimum of one lesson from each section. The section on Foundations of an Alternative Global Security System includes several lessons focused on individual approaches, many of which could be combined into one session.

For those pursuing the full inquiry, the final section on Transitioning to an Alternative Global Security System will focus on activities supporting your group’s own design of an alternative global security system. We encourage you to share your designs using our online forums so others can learn from and build upon your experience.

Sections of Study War No More

  1. Why an Alternative Global Security System is Desirable and Necessary
  2. A Peace System is Possible
  3. Foundations of an Alternative Global Security System
  4. Building a Culture of Peace: Further Strategies and Possibilities
  5. Transitioning to an Alternative Global Security System

Finally, please note that each lesson includes a discussion forum linked to social media where you can share the outcomes of your discussion with others in World Beyond War’s network. We strongly encourage sharing the highlights of your discussion as well as any new questions that might arise. Your sharing will benefit other study groups and will help us to improve the study guide for the future.

Who is using STUDY WAR NO MORE?

Help World Beyond War and the Global Campaign for Peace Education learn who is using Study War No More (and where) by sharing your contact details with us.