Harmony Without Borders: Buddhist Teachings in Global Conflict Resolution
Rahima Akhter, Niloy Roy
Social Science Review August 23, 2026 DOI: 10.3329/ssr.v43i1.92775 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Buddhism |
| Key findings | Argues that Buddhist ethics provide a sustainable model for peacebuilding by addressing root causes of conflict, and recommends integrating these teachings into global peace discourses. |
Abstract
In this era of conflicts and humanitarian crises, searching for a sustainable way to build peace has become a pressing need. This article analyses the Buddhist teachings for global conflict resolution. This study examines how the Buddhist principles of ethics, especially nonviolence (ahiṁsā), compassion (karuṇā), mindfulness (sati), and moral leadership (dhammarāja-dhamma), can be applied to harmony-building. This article argues that Buddhist frameworks address the root causes of conflict. These share similarities with a theoretical perspective from peace studies that emphasizes long-term resolution. Concepts such as the Three Poisons, the Four Noble Truths, and the Noble Eightfold Path are significant for self-reflection and healing. This case study-based research employed a qualitative interpretative methodology. A multidisciplinary approach integrating religious studies, peace and conflict studies, and textual analysis is employed for the data analysis. At present, the conflict’s pattern is shifting to a more complex one. This paper demonstrates through historical and recent examples that Buddhism provides a sustainable model for peacebuilding. It concludes by advocating for the integration of Buddhist ethics into peace discourses. It recommends that Buddhist teachings will make a vibrant contribution to global harmony. Social Science Review [The Dhaka University Studies, Part-D], Vol.43, No.1, June 2026, pp. 193-206.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on buddhism, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western Buddhists Western Buddhist meditation practitioners and experts in Theravāda, Zen, and Tibetan... | 2017 | Qualitative study with mixed-methods | |
| A phenomenology of meditation-induced light experiences: traditional buddhist and neurobiological perspectives American Buddhist practitioners | 2014 | Qualitative study | |
| Common Core Thesis and Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Mysticism in Chinese Buddhist Monks and Nuns Chinese Pure Land and Chan Buddhist monks and nuns | 2011 | Mixed-methods study | n = 139 |
| Anger regulation in traumatized Cambodian refugees: the perspectives of Buddhist monks. Buddhist Cambodian monks in Massachusetts | 2011 | Qualitative study | n = 6 |
| The Lived Experiences of Experienced Vipassana Mahasi Meditators: an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Experienced Vipassana Mahasi meditators | 2018 | Qualitative study |