Contrary to widespread expectations and hopes, the end of the Cold War did not usher in peace. No consensus exists in the international community about how to address these problems. Neither the United Nations, other international organizations, individual nations, private nongovernmental groups, nor we as Friends have adequate, practical answers about the role the members of the international community should plan in such situations. In almost every case, it has been unclear what actions should be taken and by whom. The UN and regional organizations have limited capability and insufficient resources.
Nongovernmental organizations operating in conflicted countries can help but in limited ways.
Using traditional diplomacy to influence the action of other players is essential, but not sufficient. It may take more than a generation to learn from experience and develop a consensus among the international community, or even significant parts of it, about ways of preventing, controlling and eliminating these violent conflicts. It may take even longer to address their underlying causes that grow out of social, economic, and political injustice and ethnic and religious divisions. Living in this period of great change and uncertainty in international affairs, we see both opportunity and challenge for Friends to address these questions in ways that both draw on the spiritual experience of our tradition and make a practical contribution to the international community's search for a more peaceful world. What Friends Have to Offer Our testimonies call us to loving action, not retreat.