Collective Security:
An Indispensable Requisite for a Lasting Peace

by Sovaida Ma’ani Ewing

Abstract: The principle of collective security as adumbrated by Bahá’u’lláh and elaborated upon by `Abdu’l-Bahá is a prerequisite for a lasting peace of the kind that has hitherto eluded humanity. Its application requires that the international community take a range of steps, including the gradual creation of an international standing force, agreement on the amount of arms that each nation may hold coupled with a binding agreement that breach of the peace by any one nation will result in collective action by all the others in accordance with pre-determined rules and procedures. In addition there must be a firm agreement on what to do about the development and stockpiling of nuclear weapons. Last, but not least, an effective international court with compulsory jurisdiction and binding judgment must be firmly established. This presentation offers concrete recommendations for the application of these broad principles in a manner that is actionable and politically palatable in today's world.