Johan Galtung, sociologist, mathematician, and principal founder of peace studies, has made fundamental contributions to the understanding of conflict and peacebuilding. His prolific work, which spans from conflict theory to mediation and conflict transformation, has made him a key figure in the field of conflictology. This text will explore some of Galtung’s most important contributions, highlighting his influence on how we understand and address conflicts today.

One of the central concepts in Galtung’s work is the distinction between negative peace and positive peace. Negative peace is defined as the absence of direct or physical violence. It is peace understood as the mere absence of war or armed conflict. Galtung argues that this conception of peace is insufficient, as direct violence may be absent while other, more subtle forms of violence persist.

Positive peace, on the other hand, goes beyond the mere absence of direct violence. It is defined as the presence of social justice, equity, human development, and harmony in relationships. It involves the elimination of the structural causes of conflict, such as poverty, inequality, discrimination, and oppression. Galtung believes that positive peace is a necessary condition for lasting and sustainable peace.

Another fundamental contribution of Galtung is his typology of violence. He distinguishes three main types:

Direct violence: It is the most visible form of violence, manifested through physical or verbal actions that cause harm to people or property. Examples of direct violence include war, murder, physical assault, or verbal abuse.

Structural violence: It refers to the inequalities and injustices rooted in social, economic, and political structures. These structures prevent certain groups from accessing basic resources, opportunities, or rights, causing suffering and deprivation. Examples of structural violence include poverty, discrimination, social exclusion, or lack of access to education or healthcare.

Cultural violence: It refers to aspects of culture, such as norms, values, beliefs, or symbols, that legitimize or justify direct or structural violence. Cultural violence creates an environment of acceptance or even normalization of violence. Examples of cultural violence include ideologies that promote war, racial discrimination, or gender-based violence.

This typology of violence is crucial to understanding the complexity of the phenomenon and designing comprehensive peace strategies. Galtung argues that to achieve positive peace, it is necessary to address all three forms of violence, not just direct violence.

The Conflict Triangle is another key tool developed by Galtung. It represents the interrelationship between attitudes, behaviors, and the contradiction (or root of the conflict). This model allows for a more holistic analysis of conflict dynamics and helps to understand how these three elements interact.

In addition to his theoretical work, Galtung has developed practical methods for conflict resolution and transformation, including mediation and the concept of TRANSFORMATION. Galtung focuses not only on resolving the immediate conflict but on transforming the relationships between the parties, aiming to address the root causes of the conflict and build lasting peace.

Galtung’s influence in the field of conflictology is undeniable. His concepts and models have provided a solid theoretical framework for understanding the complex nature of conflict and for developing effective peace strategies. His emphasis on positive peace, the typology of violence, and the conflict triangle has revolutionized the way conflict is studied and addressed today. His work continues to inspire researchers, activists, and professionals working towards building a more peaceful world.