Peace for applause, business profit or social justice? Towards an innovative paradigm for transformative peace

This paper examines why different actors engage in peace initiatives and explores an innovative peace paradigm capable of accommodating diverse forms of peace activism, including those driven by social justice, equity, business interests, or public relations. The study presents preliminary findings from ongoing research on the values and principles underpinning transformative and sustainable peace in global society. The paper argues that peace initiatives remain complementary and innovative when grounded in the principles of transformative and sustainable peace. It draws on theoretical perspectives on sustainable and transformative peace, literature on motivations for peace activism, and critical reflections developed through collaboration with scholars and practitioners. The study further examines how transdisciplinary research is shaping new approaches to peace activism. Findings identify key values, principles, and practices necessary for peacebuilding in Africa, including dialogue, community engagement, mediation, perspective transformation, collective decision-making, context-sensitive dispute resolution, and selfless leadership. The paper concludes that effective peace activism requires inclusive, value-driven approaches that address diverse social realities while promoting long-term peace and social cohesion.