Zero-sum game in the Near East?

Peace is a valuable commodity. But has peace ever really been achieved in the Near East since the end of the Second World War? How we choose to answer this question greatly depends on how we define peace. If peace were simply the absence of violence, then it would mean nothing other than security. But what if the call for security becomes so overwhelming that peace is compromised? It’s hard to imagine that any sort of peace might exist without justice. But then, what exactly is justice? Does justice simply mean having the right to self-determination and sovereignty? The questions are endless.

Dr. Margret Johannsen works at The Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg (Institut für Friedens- und Konfliktforschung der Universität Hamburg). Her main interests are the Near and Middle East, terrorism and arms control. She is also involved in publishing the annual Peace Report.

Language: German