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“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
— Howard Thurman

Quote thanks to happiness activist Mary S. 

The Epic Battle of the Doctrines

United States President Barack Obama made my day earlier this week, and not as a result of anything having to do with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. In a speech addressed to the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, Obama announced the new official international development policy of the United States. Of course, this information was largely ignored by the mainstream media, as the diplomatic walk-out and discussion of the Middle East peace process dominated headlines. However, this agenda is a diamond in the rough for international development junkies, who for decades have supported long- term initiatives with an emphasis on sustainability, instead of get-rich-quick schemes for impoverished nations. If Obama is truly dedicated to this new doctrine, international development will be much more successful, not only making a good return on our investments abroad, but also improving international cooperation and trade.

The concept of an American foreign policy doctrine was born simultaneously with our Republic, but has emerged as a political necessity within the last 60 years. Since World War II, each administration has developed their own specific doctrine, which outlines their concerns and challenges, and proposes strategies to face them. These doctrines are also utilized to assess the effectiveness of American approaches to foreign policy. 

President James Monroe was an early pioneer in the tradition of outlining an official foreign policy in doctrine form. The 1823 Monroe Doctrine created the first official interventionist platform, stating that any effort by a European power to further colonize the Americas would be seen as an act of aggression, and would result in a quick response by the United States. Abroad, this announcement was mostly shrugged off, but it created a precedent for strong presidential foreign policy platforms. The Truman Doctrine, which provided support to Greece and Turkey to prevent communist interference in those nations, began the more recent tradition of labeling an administration's foreign policy tendencies as an overall doctrine. 

The Bush and Obama Doctrines correspond in that they both contain provisions for democracy promotion and conflict prevention, but that is where the similarities end. The realist Bush Doctrine emphasized preemptive strikes and knee-jerk military responses to international challenges while feeding a confused public nationalistic propaganda and advocating a "If you're not with us, you're against us" neo-McCarthy terrorist-by-association witch hunt. Under the Bush doctrine, development was conducted, but it was not prioritized. Although Obama has continued and extended Special Operations abroad, and approved a surge in troops which has earned him the criticism of friends and foes alike, he continues to promote diplomacy as a civilized way to confront disagreement in the global arena. In contrast with the Bush Doctrine, the Obama Doctrine is much more reliant on international cooperation and multilateralism than its exceptionalist predecessor. 

In the past, the Obama Doctrine was referred to in a derogatory sense by critics, as simply a synonym for diplomacy. However, with its emphasis on development instead of only relying solely on security and politics, and a newfound dedication to... wait, are you ready?... results instead of simply assessing inputs, we will be able to better measure the impact of our contributions to other nations. This deliberate change of policy will place quality above quantity and isolation above collaboration. Through programs to improve economic reform both home and abroad, Obama hopes to improve transparency, anti-corruption efforts, and technological innovation. This new means for measurement of success coupled with a multifaceted approach of diplomacy, investment, and trade will promote the longevity and effectiveness of international development.

Symbolizing Peace: Revisiting the Past and Moving Forward

At the ripe old age of 52, the internationally recognized iconic symbol has recently made a popular resurgence. Commonly known as the peace symbol, this famous circle of protest and solace has reemerged as a means for mainstreaming opposition to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The peace symbol is arguably the most controversial sign in common usage, and has not only an interesting past, but will continue to follow the evolution of social justice.

The peace sign as we know it now in the United States signifies an absence of war and the hope for prosperity. However, this meaning evolved from its original symbolism as developed by Gerald Holtom, a British artist and contentious objector during World War II. Holtom created the symbol for a march sponsored by two organizations dedicated to eradicating nuclear armament: the Direct Action Committee Against Nuclear War (DAC) and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND). Convinced that their mission would gain attention if it had a logo, Holtom created what we now know as the peace symbol, and called it the "Ban the Bomb" sign. To create the symbol, Holtom used the semaphore, or flag-signaling, alphabet, combining the letters N and D for nuclear disarmament with a larger circle to represent the Earth. This symbol was later adopted by CND, who to this day refuse to copyright or trademark the logo on the basis that it is the property of free people worldwide.

Image from BBC News

The "Ban the Bomb" sign was adopted across the pond by American activists who applied it to a myriad of causes, beginning with the African- American Civil Rights movement. The sign quickly became a symbol of protest among anti-war activists during the unpopular Vietnam War, and was also applied to the women's and gay rights movements. Controversy arose mainly with the symbol's application during the Vietnam War, when it was perceived as an attack on the troops. As tension mounted in American society, the presence of the symbol caused many to negatively associate it with the counter-culture of the 1960's and 1970's.

Fortunately, the modern usage of the peace symbol is more inclusive, as an appeal to a cessation of violence. As CND states on their website, "A symbol for freedom, it is free for all." The presence of this symbol in our current society is a proactive comfort. While some people fear that we are becoming desensitized to words and images of war, it's essential that we continue to mainstream ideals and symbols of prosperity and civility.

Thanks to activist JRC for inspiration of this article.

Happy World Peace Day!

It's Peace Day and across the globe thousands of people are celebrating with comedy, movies, school activities, community outreach events, music, prayer vigils, and personal commitments. Peace Day was originally designated in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly as the third Tuesday in September. The UN member nations wanted this day to represent international unity through a one-day celebration of ceasefire and non-violence.

The move to make Peace Day a fixed date was a civilian initiative, undertaken on the silver screen by a British filmmaker named Jeremy Gilley. Inspired by the activities accomplished on rotating Peace Day through the dedication of individuals, organizations, and governments, Gilley decided to advocate for a fixed date for the holiday. He achieved his goal two years later, when in 2001, the UN adopted September 21 as an International Day of Peace.

But why just a day you ask? Although in recent years, organizations have pushed for weeklong events, many activists maintain that one day of peace is significant, especially in active war zones. In the words of Mary Robinson, the former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and former President of Ireland, "My experience of conflict is that those who are involved in it long for even a day of peace. To have a day of cessation of violence, that to me is an idea whose time has come." Last year in 2009, all 192 UN member nations held commemorative activities, ranging from celebrations to immunization campaigns. In Afghanistan, for example, 4 million children were protected from polio through a ceasefire agreement supported by all conflicting parties. This achievement was possible through the observation of Peace Day, which not only saw a one-day 70% reduction in violence, but also improved the health of millions of kids.

But for some, Peace Day means 24 hours of very hard work. The unique circumstances of ceasefire and non-violence tips the scales in favor of those pressing for peacebuilding and long-term sustainability in war zones. This gives international mediators the upper hand in working with groups in conflict. Given a one-day hiatus of violence, mediators have taken advantage of this opportunity to engage opponents to foster more permanent peace between groups. In addition, humanitarian organizations have utilized Peace Day as a means to access citizens in volatile regions by organizing large scale efforts to promote public health and education through added resources.

So what can you do to get involved? Most organizations, such as the UN, Peace One Day, and the African Union, are encouraging people to make their own pledges for peace. Pledges are easy: let them know how you're celebrating Peace Day, and then have fun.

• Play Soccer. If you're a football nut, Peace One Day is encouraging people everywhere to have a pickup match of the beautiful game. 
• Watch Jeremy Gilley's film: the Day After Peace. Featuring some badasses like Ban Ki Moon, Angelina Jolie, Jude Law, and the Dalai Lama, this film has won awards at Cannes, and 15 other International Film Festivals. Another perk: you can get it on Netflix. 
• Go to a comedy show. Although the dates have passed for many of the cities listed, keep these in mind for next year. 
• Youth Enrichment. Whether or not you're a teacher, there are options for getting the kiddos involved. The UN is encouraging educational peace initiatives in all 192 countries today.
• Get pumped up. Listen to your favorite tunes, or try out groups like U2, Michael Franti and Spearhead, John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Marvin Gaye, and others who sing about social justice. If you are going to be in Beijing, China on October 10th, check out the International Show of Peace concert.

Happy Peace Day everyone! "One person may be small, but all together, with 6 billion people, we can make a big difference." -UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon.

Pre-Game with Peaceable Action!

This upcoming week, September 19-25 is International Peace Week, and to celebrate, The Peace Report has some stellar surprises to roll out! Peace Week, founded by the United Nations and adopted by peace lovers everywhere, is the week surrounding September 21st, the official Peace Day. This year, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon designated International Peace Day for the chillens, stating: “Young people today are at home with global diversity; they are comfortable in an interconnected world. Yet they are also vulnerable to the forces of extremism." He called on youth from every country to positively contribute to their communities. And for readers who don't think they qualify as youth remember: you're as young as you act during Peace Week. 


Now, we know what you're thinking: "But I didn't get enough sleep last night to sustainably resolve the Israel/ Palestine conflict." Fret not. You don't have to be an internationally acclaimed mediator to bring a little happiness to your friends and family. (Although, if you are, kudos.) To help out, we've developed a list of peaceful potpourri to choose from. Try one item or do all of them, but if you do, comment below and tell us how it went and what you did!


1. Send a friend a snail mail. Include a photo or two or a mixed CD if you can. Who doesn't love getting mail?


2. Email or call your representatives about an issue important to you. If you don't know who they are, click here and you can look them up. Usually their individual websites have forms you can use to submit your opinions as well. Keep in mind, these people work for YOU, so contact them and let them know what you're thinking!


3. Call Grandma and Grandpa. Chances are, they will be psyched to hear from you, and they will tell your mom how wonderful you are for the next five years.


4. Crack your friends up. Have people over for a movie or dinner. I recently watched Friday with my friends, and we were laughing all night. If you've seen any good movies lately, let us know in the comment box.


5. Vote!!!!! Did you vote in your primary elections? Do you know when the general elections are? Take 30 minutes to meet the candidates who will be making decisions for you.


6. If you don't already, volunteer. You can volunteer on a one-time basis, or continuously with organizations like your local food bank, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Clubs, the ASPCA, with local sporting events, or nursing homes. When I'm old, I would love some young person to come over and crack me up.


7. Get some sunshine. Go for a walk with your parents and/or canine. Play pick-up soccer. Play tennis. As your parents would say, "Go outside!"


8. Read a book about another culture. Reading Lolita in Tehran, Lipstick Jihad, Open Veins of Latin America, Under the Tuscan Sun, Eat Pray Love, Into the Wild, A Long Way Gone, Three Cups of Tea, City of Falling Angels; let us know what other fantastic books you've read.


9. Try an environmentally friendly household product. For example, Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day, Seventh Generation, and 365 Organic are easy-to-find brands dedicated to both quality and greenery.


10. Pay it forward. If someone does something nice for you, try to keep it going.


What did we miss? Let us know if you have any other ideas, or if you tried something on the list. Happy International Peace Week everyone!

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“No act of love, however small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop