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Unless specifically and plainly noted, we don't solicit or accept any compensation for featuring articles, organizations, individuals, or other resources which appear in this E-Newsletter.

In this issue . . . Central to understanding the nature of violence is understanding the human need for power. Violence emerges where there is an experience of powerlessness. I reflect on ideas sparked by Kierkegaard and Becker.

Understanding the PAR Model requires setting aside some old assumptions about violence. I examine what's needed in the PAR Explorations.

Where do you think the best place to first apply the PAR Model? It seems to me that we must start with ourselves. I explore this idea in the PAR Applications.

This month's featured resource, is the the new National Peace Academy. This is something I think we should all get behind in a very big way. Check it out.

Thanks for taking the time to look over my E-Newsletter. Please feel free to pass it along and to invite others to get their own free subscription.

— Ari Cowan

eflecting on the issue of power, I return to the insights provided by philosopher Søren Kierkegaard and social anthropologist Ernest Becker. Kierkegaard observed that, central to human existence, there is a deep need to experience value and meaning. Becker saw that our denial of death — the fate all of us face — gives us a profound sense of powerlessness. So, what do we do with the dilemma of value, meaning, and the denial of death?  More . . .

he challenge of understanding the PAR Model requires us to move beyond the traditional views about violence and into a wholly new framework. This is a task that requires some work. A good starting point is learning about the characteristics of violence. One of the consequences of this understanding is a heightened experience of compassion. More , , ,

ow do you get others to be peaceful? The answer: You don't. Then what's the point of learning about the Violence Integrative Prevention and Restoration (PAR) Model if we don't work to make sure violent people are peaceful? Violence manifests from an experience of powerlessness. And no one wants to be caught in the grip of the violence pathogen any more than anyone would want to have cancer. More . . .

Peace Corps to Return to Liberia After Nearly 19 Years
VOA.com, USA — 22 October 2008
The United States Peace Corps says it will send volunteers back to Liberia next week for the first time since 1990. The Peace Corps says more than 4,400 volunteers served in Liberia between 1960 and 1990. The program was suspended due to the Liberian civil war.

Darfur Violence Displaces 1,000 People a Day, UN Chief Ban Says
Bloomberg.com, USA — 22 October 2008
More than 230,000 civilians have fled their homes in 2008 due to violence in Darfur, where fighting between rebel and government troops has raged for almost six years, Ban said in his latest report to the UN Security Council, released yesterday. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, puts that number at 300,000.

Prison hits families hard
Scotsman.com, United Kingdom — 23 October 2008
Recent reports of the high number of escapers and absconders from open prisons reflect only some of the consequences of prisons reaching breaking point.

New peace hopes as Kashmir trade route opens (video)
CNN.com, USA — 21 October 2008
More than a dozen trucks loaded with fruits, spices and other goods Tuesday crossed the line dividing Kashmir as India and Pakistan opened a symbolic trade route in the disputed region for the first time in more than 60 years.

Mexican army sent to quell gang violence
UPI.com, USA — 22 October 2008
Mexican officials say federal army troops have arrived in Baja California to battle a relentless wave of drug gang slayings in the state's border towns..

The link below will take you to a featured resource which provides an expanded understanding of approaches to understanding and ending violence, practical peacebuilding, or contemporary thought about the role of violence in our lives.To make the connection below, click on the name of the resource.

The National Peace Academy
The objective of the National Peace Academy is to advance and support: Existing peace education and peacebuilding efforts; the study of the phenomena of peace; research, program development, training, and education for professional and citizen practice of peace and peacebuilding; a worldwide network of peace academies; structures and programs in government, military, business, and civil society for a culture of peace.

Additional resources, including recommended reading and viewing can be found on my Resource page.

Got some ideas, opinions, enhancements, and expansions on the material covered in this E-Newsletter? Lovely. Please send them off to me via e-mail (click here for contact information) . I'll dial them into my thinking and, in some cases, post them in this section of the E-Newsletter.