In a world held hostage by perpetual conflict, the mere suggestion of “abolishing war” can sound dangerously naive. We have started aiming lower: a temporary ceasefire here, a modest arms control treaty there. Yet, during a recent Project Save the World conversation hosted by Metta Spencer, two distinguished academics—Professor Winston Langley and Professor Lawrence Wittner—argued that keeping our sights on the ultimate prize is not just idealistic; it is essential for the survival of our species.
A Culture of Peace and “Species Identity”
Metta Spencer introduced Winston Langley as a professor of political science and international relations, and the author of the boldly titled book, Abolishing War. She noted that many organizations, including the World Federalists in the US. have pivoted to more “mainstream” or modest goals to avoid seeming out of touch. But she commended Langley for keeping his sights high.
Winston Langley
Langley’s premise is rooted in the pursuit of a “culture of peace.” To achieve this, he argues, we must radically expand our moral commitments. He described this culture as considering specific human beings as a part of a larger whole.“Although we are citizens of a given government and given cities... we are also a member of the human species.” For example, UNESCO could create a number of “world universities’ to promote a peaceful planetary culture. And we could have sports teams that are representing the globe as a whole instead of their nations.
