My most popular column this year was Peace in Our Times. Conversations about peace continue to resonate with many, even amidst shifting political landscapes and an election that has tested our national resolve. The popularity of “Peace in Our Time” this year reaffirms the power of hope—a collective yearning for a world where diplomacy triumphs over conflict, and where compassion prevails over division.
Election outcomes often act as catalysts for change, and this moment is no different. As the votes are counted and geopolitical winds subtly shift, there is a need to reassess what peace looks like today. This election season—marked by narratives of polarization, change, and cautious optimism—has been more than just a test of democracy; it has reflected the world’s broader struggles for unity.
Recent softening in tensions between the U.S. and Iran offers a glimmer of hope. The long road ahead remains challenging, but the election’s impact has already begun to foster conversations that were previously stifled. An emphasis on multilateralism from the incoming administration could pave the way for deeper cooperation and mutual understanding, a crucial step toward de-escalation in a region long fraught with turmoil. Diplomatic engagement may not be a cure-all, but it is the oxygen that peace needs to keep its flame alive.
The European landscape is also in a state of adaptation. A renewed focus on NATO has provided a sense of stability, albeit amid rising nationalist sentiments in parts of Europe. With election outcomes favoring continued international alliances, commitments to NATO will likely be strengthened, easing fears of fragmentation. This cooperation goes beyond military endeavors; it speaks to shared values of democracy and human rights that must be upheld.
The Pacific presents a complex situation. China’s posture has remained unyielding, yet there are signs of a potential recalibration. This nuanced shift hints at an understanding that economic cooperation may be preferable to military standoffs. Election rhetoric, particularly with a focus on supply chains and trade relations, suggests a pivot that could help reduce tensions in the South China Sea and beyond. These opportunities are delicate and not guaranteed, but they serve as a reminder that peace is often a result of choices made in seemingly mundane policy discussions.
The election has also exposed divisions at home, while simultaneously providing a path forward. Leveraging this moment to invest in economic justice, expand healthcare, and restore dignity to all who live here can lay the foundation for lasting peace. Peace is not simply the absence of war; it is the presence of justice, equity, and opportunity. As Dr. King once said, “True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.”
Achieving “peace in our time” requires acknowledging the interconnected nature of our struggles. A fairer world abroad begins with a fairer society at home. As the dust of this election settles, there is a unique chance to reset—to commit not just to rhetoric, but to real, actionable change that supports humans flourishing across borders.
This moment may be fragile, but it is also full of promise. The world is watching, and each step taken—toward cooperation, equity, and empathy—has the potential to make “peace in our time” not just an aspiration, but a reality.