Research papers and term papers in peace studies are typically written in APA, MLA and ASA style of writing. The format and style aspects depend in the kind, level and length a paper.
Peace studies, also known as Irenology/Iridology, refers to an academic field which is involved in identifying as well as analyzing violent and nonviolent behaviors and the structural mechanisms which attend social conflicts in an effort to understand the process which can result in a more suitable human condition.
Peace Studies is essentially an inter-disciplinary area in which several branches of social science such as Economics, Religious Studies, Psychology, History, International Relations, Political Sciences and Anthropology contribute heavily to understand how to prevent conflicts and achieve de-escalation and solution to conflicts.
Writing a research paper or term paper in Peace Studies could mean several things. It could mean a general research, social issues paper, case study and also writing with data. Typically, papers in peace studies include a number of sections. The first important element of the paper is a title page which clearly mentions the topic. This is followed by the Abstract which should be less than 150 words long. After this the methodology section can be included if you want to have done research on the topic. The results section should mention all the data that you have generated.
The text in the paper should follow the style guides accurately such as APA and MLA styles which ever is suggested by your professor. The research and conclusion can be followed by a references page and appendices.
Even though philosophers and individuals like thought made several attempts to understand peace and the philosophy of peace, it was only after the Second World War in the 50s and 60s that Peace Studies developed as a formal academic discipline.
Peace Studies is classified in the following ways:
Multi-level Approach: The discipline attempts to examine intrapersonal peace between single individuals, neighbors, ethnic factions, states all the way up to civilizations.
Normative Approach: In this regard, Peace Studies essentially involves judgments regarding values and what is “good” and what is “bad.”
Multi-disciplinary Approach: Includes elements belonging to Political Science, Psychology, Economics, Sociology and Anthropology among others.
Multi-cultural Approach: This approach has so far remained a far fetched dream since the vast majority of Peace Institutions are based in the West.
Peace studies is now an established discipline within the social sciences and separate departments for its studies have been organized at several western colleges and universities.
The 3 Peace Conceptions have played a key role in initiating an intellectual
climate that promotes research on peace. The first of these conceptions
is that rational reasoning implies that peace is a natural condition
and not war. The principle behind this is to do enough research and
present ideas to decision makers who will then prefer peace and avoid
conflicts and war. The second conception is that war is sinful according
to almost all religious traditions. The last of these 3 conceptions
is pacifism which means that pacifism is supposed to a fundamental
power in human behavior.