Introduction & Overview

Study War No More encourages learning, reflection, visioning and action toward the development of a “Global Security System: an Alternative to War.”

Developed, produced and maintained by World BEYOND War in partnership with the Global Campaign for Peace Education,  this discussion and action guide is an online complement to World BEYOND War’s publication A Global Security System: An Alternative to War.  This online guide provides guided inquiries for students and citizens to understand the nature of “the war system” and the possibilities for its transformation to an authentic “global security system” pursued via peaceful means.

World BEYOND War is a global nonviolent movement to end war and establish a just and sustainable peace.  The Global Campaign for Peace Education builds public awareness and political support for the introduction of peace education into all spheres of education, including non-formal education, in all schools throughout the world.

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

Required / Supporting 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 fourth edition (2018-19), 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.  (Study War No More currently references both the 2016 and 2017 editions of AGSS – 2018-19 edition references will be added soon.)

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

• PDF and ebook versions of AGSS 2018-19 are available for a small $2 donation here.
• Print and ebook editions are available at your local bookstore or any online bookseller. The distributor is Ingram (print version: ISBN 978-0-9980859-6-8 / e-book ISBN: 978-0-9980859-7-5).
• Buy online at Barnes and Noble and Amazon.
• Buy in bulk for a discount here.

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

Study War No More is organized around the main themes of A Global Security System: An Alternative to War:

1. Why an Alternative Global Security System is Necessary
2. Demilitarizing Security
3. Managing Conflict without Violence
4. Building a Culture of Peace
5. Accelerating the Transition

Several discussion topics have been developed to explore each of these themes.  Discussion topics can be pursued sequentially or used as stand-alone guides. 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.

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?

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.

[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

Discussion Topic Index

Below is an index of prepared and proposed discussion topics.   Check back often as new topics will be added (discussion topics with a “*” are coming soon). Visit the main discussion index to see what topics are currently available.

• Introduction and overview

• Section 1: Why an Alternative Global Security System is  Necessary

  • In Search of Global Security: What makes us secure?
  • Global insecurity: understanding the “War System”
  • Debunking the Myths of War
  • Nonviolence: A More Successful Approach
  • Common Security: A System of Global Interdependence
  • Ecological Security: Protecting the Integrity of all Life

• Section 2: Demilitarizing securitY

  • Transition: From an Offensive to Defensive Posture
  • Demilitarization and Disarmament
  • A Sustainable Global Economy as a Foundation for Peace

• Section 3: managing conflict without violence

  • Reforming and Building Effective International Institutions
  • Nonviolent Civilian-Based Defense / Civilian Peacekeeping Forces
  • The following discussion topics are coming soon…
  • *Involving Women in Peace & Security Decision Making
  • *The Role of Global Civil Society

• Section 4: Creating a Culture of Peace

  • Alternative Visions: Human Security and a Culture of Peace
  • *Formal, Non-formal and Informal Education
  • *Technology: Creativity and Connection
  • *Faith-Based Movements: The Role of Religion in Building Peace
  • *Racism: Developing an Intersectional Lens for Peace

• Section 5: accelerating the Transition

  • *Putting it all Together
  • *Writing the New Story