The evolving international law of peace
Channel: War Studies KCL
Date: 09/11/2021

Chair: Dr Maria Varaki, Lecturer in International Law, Department of War Studies

Speaker: Professor Cecilia M. Bailliet, Director of the Masters Program in International Law, and Co-Director of the Research Group on Human Rights in Conflict, Peace and Security Law.

Peace has evolved from the notion of peaceful coexistence to the recent articulation of a right to peace. It varies from a universal gründnorm to a second wave third generation right (similar to solidarity, development, and the right to a healthy environment) as well as a sustainable development goal. Its pluralistic attributes enable it to serve as a foundation for policy development at national, regional, and international levels in the Post-Western Age in order to address challenges related to increased social polarization and populist authoritarianism.

Although the primary focus of research has been negative peace (the absence of violence) linked to the prohibition of aggression, it may be suggested that at present greater attention is being placed on positive peace (non-discrimination, equality, social justice, and cooperation). There is also the challenge of the phenomenon of oppressive peace and hence a need for engagement by international human rights courts and committees to monitor state actions.