Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation Terminology

Defined as the absence of war or direct physical violence while the root causes of conflict remain ignored, i.e. injustice and structural violence are allowed to continue. It is a condition in which opposing groups are not necessarily engaged in physical violence.

Negotiation is conducted on various grounds: to identify common interests and develop unilateral or multilateral initiatives in pursuit of objectives, to de-escalate a conflict situation, or to formulate mutually satisfactory solutions towards resolution of a given conflict.

Process of discussing, compromising and bargaining with adversaries in good faith to secure a resolution to a conflict and reconciliation of adversaries. 

A formal position of non-participation in the issues that generate a conflict.

A conscious and deliberate, partial or total, refusal to participate in activities of or cooperate with individuals, governments, institutions, policies or laws that result in violence or injustice.

A large category that includes non-governmental organizations, multinational corporations, media, terrorist groups, warlords, insurgents, criminal organizations, religious groups, trade unions, universities, and diaspora communities. Most types of non-state actors would be considered part of civil society. Also called nonofficial actors.

According to a working definition at the UN, are groups that have the potential to employ arms in the use of force to achieve political, ideological or economic objectives; are not within the formal military structures of States, State-alliances or intergovernmental organizations; and are not under the control of the State(s) in which they operate.

A holistic belief in and practice of abstaining from violent acts.

A technique of conflict engagement or prosecution that aims to achieve political objectives through nonviolence (not using physical, violent acts).