Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding through Education: Perspectives of Emotional and Social Intelligence

Abstract

Conflict is increasing globally, with a notable rise in fatalities in Europe and Middle East due to the Russia-Ukraine war and severe losses in Gaza. South Asia is tense with India-Pakistan disputes and militancy, while Sub-Saharan Africa, especially Sudan, faces growing casualties and humanitarian issues. Smaller areas, such as Manipur, struggle with ethnic conflicts, highlighting the urgent need for peace education. The “Taleem-e-Amn” program in Pakistan demonstrates how community education can foster tolerance.

     The mid-2020s bring heightened conflict, with global military expenditure reaching $2.7 trillion, making security feel more fragile. This paper examines how incorporating psychological intelligence in education can help resolve conflicts and promote peace. It aims to analyse conflict dynamics, explore Emotional and Social Intelligence's roles, develop a framework for school curricula, and offer policy recommendations.

     The study pulls together research from 2020 to 2026 using the SALSA framework i.e., search, appraisal, synthesis, and analysis to map out what sustainable peacebuilding might look like (Torraco, 2016; Klang et al., 2014). The literature points to a stubborn gap that we still don’t know enough about how to transform mindsets in communities most vulnerable to conflict (Sanik, 2024).

What’s clear is that if we want lasting peace, we need to embed EI and SI into national education systems. EI aids emotional regulation, and SI helps navigate social complexities, together creating meaningful change.   That means investing in teacher training and creating emotionally safe spaces what some call “brave spaces” where students can practice empathy and resilience. These steps are vital for making real progress on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 16. In the end, this study charts a path forward. By harnessing psychological intelligence, we can build a stronger defence against global chaos rooted not in weapons, but in the human mind.