Peace

The idea of choosing PEACE as the focus for the second PEA – Pedagogy, Ecology and the Arts conference in Merano (Italy) in September 2024 stems from the curator’s interest in a pedagogy that is convivial, collaborative and ecological in an intersubjective and political sense. Today’s political and media narratives often fuel division by portraying “the other” as a threat. This fear-driven logic justifies harsh decisions and strengthens destructive forces. The resulting crises – war, injustice, climate change – urge us to rethink how to live together more justly and sustainably, as people and as part of nature.
Across all contexts, we need new approaches to peace, in ecological and relational terms. At PEA 2024, we aimed to redraw boundaries and create spaces and projects devoted to peace. Chapter authors are researchers and practitioners from across Europe – including Italy, Austria, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway – as well as Turkey and Great Britain. Each combined two or all three PEA pillars: pedagogy, ecology and the arts. The book is structured around these themes, highlighting each chapter’s focus. Conference contributions – keynotes, oral presentations, or workshops – were adapted for this volume and enriched through the dialogue and exchange that took place. We hope readers can sense the convivial and interactive spirit that shaped PEA.