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Power to Destroy, Power to Heal: Violence, State Power and
Paradigm Shifts for Peace
Dr. Carol Hunter, professor of history
Earlham College
Richmond, IN
46
th
International Studies Association Convention
“Dynamics of World Politics: Capacity, Preferences and Leadership“
Honolulu, Hawaii, March 1-5, 2005
This is a draft text only. Do not cite or quote from this paper without the written permission of
the author
Abstract: Paradigm Shifts for Peace
This abbreviated conference presentation is a condensed and revised version of a
paper given originally as one of two key note addresses for an interdisciplinary
conference with the theme of “the past, present and future of political violence and
pacifism.” The talk took the affirmative position that the political use of nonviolence was
not only a realistic option, but one with a proven record. However, its widespread use in
the U.S. is not likely without some major paradigm shifts in key underlying cultural
presuppositions.