Peace politics and the political spectrum: a co-creative approach to left and right
Start Date
10-2-2021 5:45 PM
End Date
10-2-2021 6:15 PM
Proposal Type
Presentation
Proposal Description
Grounded in process metaphysics, this paper develops a theory of “peace politics,” emphasising the co-creative agency of social actors within the limitations of their material and historical contexts, and the possibilities for changes in ideas and actions to build peace with justice. This political theory emphasises the participation of “people-in-communities” and “communities of communities” in bringing about social change. This paper shows how such a political theory enables the de-polarisation of left and right politics, and transcends pro/anti-capitalist divides. The dominant left-right political associations of Capitalism (with the right), Anticapitalism and Marxism (with the left), Neoliberalism (with the right) and Social Democracy (with the left) are considered, and a more nuanced reality brought to light. It is argued here that peace politics does not seek a political revolution or superficial reform. Instead it seeks an integrative transformation of modes of thought, behaviours, cultures and political economic systems. Foundational to such a political theory is a more equal distribution of power, decoupling the influence of wealth over democracy, and re-regulating markets in the interests of long-term human and nonhuman wellbeing.
Peace politics and the political spectrum: a co-creative approach to left and right
Grounded in process metaphysics, this paper develops a theory of “peace politics,” emphasising the co-creative agency of social actors within the limitations of their material and historical contexts, and the possibilities for changes in ideas and actions to build peace with justice. This political theory emphasises the participation of “people-in-communities” and “communities of communities” in bringing about social change. This paper shows how such a political theory enables the de-polarisation of left and right politics, and transcends pro/anti-capitalist divides. The dominant left-right political associations of Capitalism (with the right), Anticapitalism and Marxism (with the left), Neoliberalism (with the right) and Social Democracy (with the left) are considered, and a more nuanced reality brought to light. It is argued here that peace politics does not seek a political revolution or superficial reform. Instead it seeks an integrative transformation of modes of thought, behaviours, cultures and political economic systems. Foundational to such a political theory is a more equal distribution of power, decoupling the influence of wealth over democracy, and re-regulating markets in the interests of long-term human and nonhuman wellbeing.