Classroom Resistance: Peace Education in a Time of Rising Authoritarianism

Globally, on nearly every continent, scholars and human rights activists sound the alarm regarding rising authoritarianism. It is the call and vision of peace educators the world over to foster a culture of positive peace both locally and globally; thus it seems urgent that we consider what new concepts and tools we will need to protect schools, academic freedom, and the kinds of curriculum and pedagogy needed to protect peace education from the autocratic threats that are manifesting. Nonviolence, as we will explore below, is one essential tactic. First, we will examine the kinds of authoritarian regimes consolidating today and why they are appearing as they do. Next we will turn to what kinds of policy and pedagogy seem to be best equipped for our divisive, misogynist, racist, and xenophobic times.