Non-Violence and Dialogue: A Critical Analysis of Gandhi's Approach to Global Conflict Resolution

This paper will discuss the relevance of Gandhi’s commitment to non-violence and dialogue in the resolution of contemporary conflicts. The principles of ahimsa (non-violence) and satyagraha (truth-force) advocated by Gandhi have been influential in shaping peace movements globally, from India’s struggle for independence to contemporary social justice movements such as the Civil Rights Movement and Anti-Apartheid Movement. This paper will expose the legacy of Gandhi as a donor of worldwide leadership and mobilisation and relevance to this day in conflict in the Middle East, Africa as well as in South Asia. The paper highlights the importance of dialogue as a means of reconciling differences between conflicting parties and emphasizes Gandhi’s belief that empathy and understanding are essential to effective conflict resolution. The paper also identifies challenges to the practice of non-violence in the context of modern international diplomacy and the existing political and military establishments. The paper will analyze the enduring significance of Gandhian non-violence in the context of peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and diplomacy in the 21st century and argue that these principles remain central to the pursuit of a more peaceful and just world.