Can There Be Mutualism Among Humankind?

Abstract

"Mutualism" as opposed to "dominance" in both interpersonal and interstate relations is a grand vision, which could offer hope to many people as the path toward a more peaceful global environment. But can all humankind embrace the spirit of mutualism? Humans have tended to glamorise warfare in many parts of the world. For instance, those who have captured state power through guerrilla warfare have tended to over-glamorise their achievements, sending the wrong signal to the young people that "the gun is mightier." In Africa, many people think that violence as a means of changing governments has been encouraged by the emergence of these guerrilla wars, many of which have managed to achieve their major goals and objectives-at least in the short run. Nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) and other pressure groups may offer better ways of building a peace culture when they preach nonviolence, reconciliation, and forgiveness. But NGOs have their limitations.