Let’s make peace work
On 22 September I will be moderating an evening at Studium Generale the University of Twente, with the lecture “Let’s make peace work” by Rolien Sasse of peace organisation PAX.
Update (22-9-2026):
My Introduction
This week is the week of peace and disarmament. In a time of armed conflicts and tensions worldwide this is super relevant.
We are honoured to have Rolien Sasse as our speaker. She is the director of the peace organisation PAX. Last year Sasse has published a nice, concise and powerful book: Peace: what it is, and why it is possible.
I very much recommend this book to everybody.
Everybody wants peace. However, at this moment of war and geopolitical tension, many people may think that at this moment it is too late to rely on peace building as a solution. It seems that we first have to avert the present threats and make an end to existing wars, by military victory, or deterrence. We need to build a strong enough defense force and resilient society first. Emphasising peace may then appear as naive, or even as weak and dangerous, undermining the military’s deterrent effect. I recognise the dilemma. But it is also a dilemma that an arms race may not prevent but provoke war. I think is very important that we recognise that dilemma too.
Is it good or not to engage the whole of society, companies and also our universities for the purpose of defense. To what degree and in what way does cooperation with the military sector match with responsible research and innovation? (How about keeping moral considerations upright against economic considerations? And can we respect and protect colleagues and students with differing and conflicting opinions, values and interest?)
Nice about Sasse’s book is that readers will not at all find the call for peace work naive or weak. It does not start from a position that is pacifistic in an idealistic way that would immediately put off a lot of people. The starting position is the realistic acknowledgment of the present wars and tensions, and that most people in our democratic political landscape think that a defense force is necessary. From there Sasse argues and persuades us to consider that we must not forget that our ultimate goal is peace. And she takes us on a journey, sharing with us her experiences and learnings about conflict management and peace building, in practice and theory.
Anouncement
Tuesday 22 September 2026 19:30 – 21:00
Our world today is plagued by numerous wars and conflicts. How can these be understood, and more importantly: be resolved and prevented? PAX is a Dutch organization trying to end armed conflict and building inclusive peace. Director Rolien Sasse, who has a lot of experience in conflict areas, published the book Vrede. Wat het is en waarom het kan (2025) in which she distinguishes hard power (weapons) from soft power (diplomacy). Soft power is often overlooked, but indispensable for lasting peace.
Moderator: dr Steven Dorrestijn (Saxion)
This program is part of the Dutch Peace Week 2026.
Free entry, no reservations required.
https://www.utwente.nl/en/sg/programme/2026/9/996952/lets-make-peace-work