IPPNW now considers prevention of all violent armed conflict as one of its core objectives, as such conflict is incompatible with health. Secondary prevention of war must involve early detection of volatile conflicts and their effective treatment by non‐violent but direct intervention. Such non‐violent direct interventions in conflict (NVDIC) are most desirable but currently underdeveloped. Most importantly they do not enjoy the prominence that would facilitate their wide understanding, acceptance and support. This article discusses ways in which IPPNW can best use its experience and resources to engage more appropriately and systematically in NVDIC. It is suggested that participation in observation and mediation missions, direct health related work, public promotion of health and environmental concerns, prominent involvement of women, use of health professionals’ status, support of peace‐promoting local health professionals, use of local knowledge and experience of IPPNW affiliates, psychological analysis and, most of all, co‐operation with groups currently developing NVDIC are domains in which IPPNW can do great work. There are, however, many unresolved ethical and practical questions. It is therefore of the greatest importance that organizations such as IPPNW should be involved in ongoing research on NVDIC. NVDIC must be developed in a framework of evolving appropriate research methodology addressing both its effectiveness and mechanisms of action.
Preventing war through non‐violent direct involvement in conflict
II. Proposal for the role of IPPNW
Reprints and Corporate Permissions
Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?
To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:
Academic Permissions
Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?
Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:
If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.
Related research
People also read lists articles that other readers of this article have read.
Recommended articles lists articles that we recommend and is powered by our AI driven recommendation engine.
Cited by lists all citing articles based on Crossref citations.
Articles with the Crossref icon will open in a new tab.