Perspectives on Civil and Social Peace in Palestine: Internal Factors and Forces that Obstruct Palestinian Civil Peace

Authors

• OSAMA TAWFEEQ JARRAR DR., ARAB AMERICAN UNIVERSITY, PALESTINEFollow
• Prof. Ayman talal Yousef Professor, Arab American University, PalestineFollow

Abstract

The process of building “civil peace” is a dynamic process that aims at creating appropriate conditions of peace when conflicting forces, groups, and polices diverge. This concept is relative because it contains components that balance the internal and external environment, where peace-building is not undertaken in a historical or cultural vacuum, but rather works to develop comprehensive civic and national values: “The movement from the present toward the desired future is not a straight line, but rather a set of dynamic initiatives” (Lederach, 10). Civil peace entails social life as distinct from internal conflicts and tensions. Attaining civil peace thus demands a modicum of sovereignty and self-determination; ideologically, we think some expression of cohesive civil peace is possible, but practically it isn’t unless the conditions that allow for civil peace prevail at some point, even in a limited way.

In the context of escalating tensions between Palestinians and Israelis and the ensuing deterioration of the situation in Palestine, Palestine is at the forefront of the debate on civil peace. The aim of this article is three-fold: first, to define civil peace and situate it in the Palestinian context; second, to explore the far-reaching implications and ramifications of civil peace in Palestine by analyzing socio economic and political factors affecting civil peace; and third, to propose new methods of non-violent interaction that will help to counteract the political, social, and geographical fragmentation of Palestinian society. Such methods should promote social cohesion and strengthen the rule of law, and protect Palestinian culture by aiming to have long-term changes, as opposed to short-term impacts.

Keyword: Civil Peace, Palestine Cause, Division, Citizenship, Palestinian Authority.

Author Bio(s)

Osama T. Jarrar is an Assistant Professor of English Language and Literature and a former Chair of the Department of English at Arab American University, Palestine. He holds an MPhil in English Literature from the University of Bergen, Norway, and a PhD in English Literature from the University of Sydney, Australia. Dr. Jarrar has published articles in international peer-reviewed journals on postcolonial theory, feminist studies, and Victorian fantasy literature.

Email: osama.jarrar@aaup.edu

Ayman T. Yousef is a Professor of International Relations and Conflict Resolution at Arab American University, Palestine. He serves as the Board Director of the Policy and Conflict Resolution Studies Center at the same university, which functions as a think tank and policy-oriented platform. He has authored books and numerous articles in international peer-reviewed journals on international relations and peace studies. Professor Yousef has received several prestigious awards and fellowships, including the Fulbright Fellowship, Erasmus, DAAD, and Marie Curie awards.

Email: Ayman.yousef@aaup.edu

Keywords

Civil Peace, Palestine Cause, Division, Citizenship, Palestinian Authority

Recommended Citation

JARRAR, OSAMA TAWFEEQ DR. and Yousef, Prof. Ayman talal Professor (2026) "Perspectives on Civil and Social Peace in Palestine: Internal Factors and Forces that Obstruct Palestinian Civil Peace," Peace and Conflict Studies: Vol. 33: No. 1, Article 4.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/pcs/vol33/iss1/4

ORCID ID

orcid.org/0009-0005-0897-7128

ResearcherID

0009-0005-0897-7128