What Has Nonviolence Got To Do With The EU?
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Writen byRoberto Baldoli; Claudio M. Radaelli - PublisherWiley (Blackwell Publishing)
- Year2019
Baldoli and Radaelli explore the relationship between the concept of nonviolence and the European Union’s approach to governance, integration, and conflict management. The article argues that the EU, through its institutions, policies, and diplomatic tools, embodies principles of nonviolence in mediating disputes among member states and promoting peaceful cooperation. The authors highlight the institutionalized mechanisms of dialogue, negotiation, and normative power in the EU as examples of structural nonviolence. They also discuss how EU policies on human rights, enlargement, and conflict prevention reflect a commitment to nonviolent conflict resolution, offering insights into the EU as a model of governance based on consensus and moderation. The article provides a unique perspective on nonviolence at the supranational level, making it relevant for communities interested in policy-driven peacebuilding, governance, and international cooperation. Community engagement mechanisms include: • Workshops or seminars on EU conflict resolution and nonviolent governance models. • Comparative studies in international relations courses highlighting nonviolent structures. • Informing civil society initiatives on policy advocacy and intergovernmental negotiation strategies. • Encouraging youth and community leaders to understand nonviolence beyond activism, extending into governance and institutional frameworks.The article is relevant and insightful, connecting nonviolence theory to practical institutional examples in the EU. It aligns with GRACE’s mission of promoting moderation, tolerance, and structured nonviolent solutions. Strengths: • Explores nonviolence beyond traditional activism into governance. • Well-grounded in EU institutional analysis. • Peer-reviewed and highly credible. Limitations: • Focused on the EU; global generalizability is limited. • Theoretical emphasis may require adaptation for grassroots community engagement.

