Abstract
Johan Galtung occupies a unique and foundational position in the field of Peace and Conflict Studies. Over more than six decades, his work has shaped Peace Research as both a scholarly discipline and a form of praxis. His contributions span conflict mediation, international relations, sociology and cultural analysis, but he is perhaps best known for two enduring conceptual frameworks: the distinction between positive and negative peace, and the Violence Triangle. These concepts did not merely introduce new terminology—they fundamentally redefined how scholars and practitioners understand the causes of conflict, systems of domination, and the prospects for sustainable peace. This special issue is dedicated to critically revisiting and creatively applying Galtung’s ideas, particularly in response to contemporary challenges. In a world marked by increasingly complex forms of violence—ranging from organized crime and gender-based oppression to climate instability and cultural polarization—it is crucial to reassess the conceptual tools we use to analyze and transform these realities. While Galtung’s frameworks have been critiqued, they remain strikingly relevant. The contributions in this issue explore his legacy through theoretical refinement, empirical analysis, and interdisciplinary dialogue, offering new insights into how Peace Research can respond to today's most pressing issues.