Revisiting peace education: Bridging theory and practice – International and comparative perspectives – Introduction

This special issue entitled “Revisiting peace education: Bridging theory and practice” attempts to present the most recent literature in the sphere of educating for peace. Its main purpose is to revisit contemporary peace education research and practice and to investigate to what extent scholars have managed to bridge the gap between theory and practice. It will investigate whether education can play a significant role in imparting the values of tolerance, human rights, multiculturalism and peace education to the next generation. With the changing nature of conflict, from inter- to intra-state, and the shifting geopolitical balance of power (see Gross and Davies, 2015: 3), we need to reconceptualize where education is positioned. This special issue reexamines the state of art of peace education and develops a more realistic understanding drawn from empirical and reflective accounts in a variety of countries and political contexts, as well as providing innovative methodological approaches to the study of peace education worldwide. Focusing on the theoretical exploration and practical implications, this issue examines peace education paradigms, theories and practices. It concentrates on the impact of globalization, cosmopolitanism and internationalization on peace education; the spread of ISIS and its effects on community perceptions in many countries; and on the ideas of peace building, the culture of peace and peace education initiatives. It explores the potential advantages and challenges of religion and religiosity in peace education. Can interreligious dialogue serve as a basis for peace building? How can peace education policy be scrutinized anew and reevaluated?