Positive Peace Appropriate Technology Theory In Practice

The dissertation begins by giving a brief history of peace research. The main themes of peace research are discussed, demonstrating how the field has been dominated by negative peace, ie the study of the causes of war and means of restoring peace. My contention is that if the field of peace research is broadened, as outlined by Galtung, to include positive peace, then Appropriate Technology (AT) can form an important focus for peace action, education and research. The dissertation progresses from an overview of the 'world of AT' to considers eight case studies. Four of the case studies examine appropriate technology in further education, demonstrating that AT can be a practical focus for peace action, which should be an integral part of peace studies courses. The case studies serve three purposes, to establish that AT is making a significant contribution to positive peace; to look at some of problems facing the AT movement and its current limitations, in the hope that these can be overcome and that the AT movement will continue to grow; and finally, to demonstrate that AT should become an integral and working example of alternative lifestyles, an important element in peace studies curricula.