LibGuides: PCS 211: Introduction to Peace Studies: Studying Peace

Studying and Measuring Peace

Peace, justice, and conflict studies is an interdisciplinary field that critically examines problems of violence and oppression and seeks peaceful solutions for promoting social justice. Explore this page to learn more about this field of study, including professional associations, academic journals, and tools for studying and measuring peace.

Professional Associations

Peace and Justice Studies Association
The Peace and Justice Studies Association (PJSA) serves as a professional association for scholars in the field of peace and conflict studies. PJSA is dedicated to bringing together academics, educators, and activists to explore alternatives to violence and share visions and strategies for peacebuilding, social justice, and social change.
International Studies Association
The International Studies Association (ISA) is an interdisciplinary association made up of academics, practitioners, policy experts, private sector workers, and independent researchers. The group is dedicated to understanding international, transnational, and global affairs. The Peace Studies section of ISA seeks to understand the causes of war, violence, as well as the conditions of peace.

Research Journals

Scholars in the interdisciplinary field of peace studies publish their research in academic journals such as these:

Measuring Peace

Global Peace Index
Produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace, the Global Peace Index measures global peacefulness, with data and analysis on "trends in peace, its economic value, and how to develop peaceful societies."

Gustavus student work: exploring peace with oneself

Title: Peace With Yourself, As Yourself (Created for ART 386: Digital Photography ll)

Artist: Chloe Keller '24, Political Science Major with double minors in Peace Studies and Studio Art

Artist statement: In Japanese culture, the paper crane symbolizes peace, so I used this symbolism as a way to depict the peace one has with oneself. The dulling of the colors/patterns and peeling of the cranes is supposed to represent the idea that we’re born into the world wide-eyed and full of color and personality, but as we grow up our personalities and color are stripped to conform to society’s version of what it thinks you should look or act.