How People Are Fighting the World’s Reliance on the War Economy
In the face of a world plagued by war, environmental crises, and economic inequity, a growing movement is diligently working to dismantle the entrenched culture of war and usher in a culture of peace. As anthropological research suggests, war is not inherent to humanity but a learned cultural phenomenon, and thus, it can be prevented and supplanted by intentional systems of peace. This shift towards a culture of peace is seen as imperative, especially given the pressing global issues such as the climate crisis and the alarming environmental impact of the military-industrial complex, known as the worst single polluter.
The culture of war is deeply rooted in extraction and materialism, devaluing the very essence of human existence—compassion, nurturing, love, art, and peace. It has promoted the elevation of individualism and hard work at the expense of community, mental and physical health, fostering competition and money hoarding, over-sharing, and collaboration. The adverse consequences of this culture range from ecological devastation, mental health crises, and social disparities to systemic racism and the erosion of human connection.
However, a burgeoning movement is challenging these war economy norms and actively divesting from them worldwide. These local peace economy initiatives focus on nurturing caring, sharing, and supportive economies, prioritizing community well-being over individual gain.
In food systems, communities worldwide are relocalizing their supply chains to assert food sovereignty and rebuild their cultures, combating the dominance of globalized, big agriculture corporations. These efforts ensure food security, create job opportunities and support thriving ecosystems.
Additionally, Palestinian farmers are reconnecting with indigenous farming practices to resist colonialism and reestablish their connection to the land through community-supported agriculture programs. In Chicago, Black formerly incarcerated individuals are challenging corporate monopolies by providing locally sourced meals to schools and other facilities, promoting nutritious and culturally appropriate food.
Furthermore, networks of indigenous seed savers and cooperatives worldwide safeguard seeds and indigenous foodways, resisting monocrop-based agriculture responsible for deforestation and climate destruction.
Beyond food systems, a movement is reshaping policing by emphasizing community engagement and resource reallocation, focusing on care rather than punitive justice systems. Creative cooperatives are reclaiming real estate and art spaces for marginalized communities, while community-led emergency response initiatives have emerged in response to increasing natural disasters.
Moreover, grassroots projects in New Mexico are combating the fossil fuel industry and providing support to homeless individuals, emphasizing alternative energy solutions. In southern Oregon and Northern California, the largest dam removal project in history, driven by indigenous-led community activism, is set to be completed in 2024, benefiting both people and wildlife.
Alternative exchange systems are also thriving, with community gardens, mutual aid groups, solidarity economies, and just transition efforts, exemplified by individuals sharing stimulus checks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Skill-sharing networks like Kola Nut Collaborative and numerous free exchange platforms further contribute to this moneyless economy.
These examples illuminate the power of individual and community commitment to divest from the culture of war and invest in a culture of peace, highlighting the transformative potential of local peace economies in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing humanity.
🔭 This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.
