Johan Galtung, with his holistic approach to peace, not only focused on the actions of states or international organizations but also emphasized the fundamental role of civil society in peacebuilding. Peacebuilding through civil means refers to the initiatives and actions taken by citizens, civil society organizations, and other non-state actors to prevent violence, transform conflicts, and build positive peace.

Galtung argues that peace cannot be imposed from above by governments or elites, but must be built from below by society itself. Civil society, with its diverse actors and roots in local communities, plays a crucial role in this process.

Peacebuilding through civil means can encompass a wide range of activities:

• Peace education: promoting education in values of peace, tolerance, human rights, and peaceful conflict resolution in schools, universities, and other educational spaces.
• Intergroup dialogue: facilitating meetings and dialogue between conflicting groups to overcome prejudices, build trust, and seek joint solutions.
• Community mediation: providing mediation and conflict resolution services at the local level to prevent the escalation of violence.
• Nonviolent action: using nonviolent methods of protest and resistance to defend human rights, promote social justice, and oppose violence.
• Political advocacy: pressuring governments and other institutions to adopt policies that promote peace, justice, and development.
• Support for victims: providing psychosocial, legal, and economic support to victims of violence and promoting their participation in reconciliation processes.
• Promotion of a culture of peace: fostering the creation and dissemination of artistic, cultural, and communicative expressions that promote values of peace, tolerance, and respect for diversity.

Galtung highlights the importance of organizing civil society for peacebuilding through civil means. Civil society organizations, with their autonomy and mobilization capacity, can play a key role in promoting peace and justice.

Peacebuilding through civil means is characterized by:

• Bottom-up approach: focusing on the needs and capacities of local communities.
• Citizen participation: promoting citizen involvement in peacebuilding.
• Diversity of actors: involving a wide range of civil society actors, including NGOs, community groups, religious leaders, educators, artists, and activists.
• Long-term approach: recognizing that peacebuilding is an ongoing process that requires time and effort.

In summary, peacebuilding through civil means, from Galtung’s perspective, represents a fundamental approach to conflict transformation and the creation of positive and lasting peace. By empowering civil society and promoting citizen participation, a solid foundation is created for building more just, equitable, and peaceful societies. This approach complements the actions of states and international organizations, offering a grassroots perspective for peacebuilding.

Johan Galtung (born in 1930) is a Norwegian sociologist and mathematician recognized as one of the founders of peace and conflict studies. His work has been essential in understanding the dynamics of violence, peace, and development in the international sphere.