n Conflict Trends - African initiatives towards creating killing-free societies

Abstract

The idea of creating societies where people do not kill other people, and which are free from the fear of being killed, is both old and new. It is 'old' in that anthropologists can cite numerous societies throughout history where intentional killing was absent, or considered an anomaly. It is 'new' because, until more recently, we seem to have lost sight of the possibility that killing-free societies are within our grasp. Scepticism exists among some that progress toward killing-free societies is achievable, especially in those places where violence and killing have been pervasive. Yet, it is in these same areas - including those across the African continent - where the sense of need, and belief that progress can be made, is greatest.