Abolishing War

Can war be abolished? This is the central and fundamental question of author, professor, and activist Winston E. Langley’s latest book, “Abolishing War.” Instead of ushering in the utopian ideal of a war-free world, Langley takes a more pragmatic approach, offering guidelines, critiques, and the forward motion of eliminating war as an institution.

The book critiques the persistence of the Westphalian system—a framework of national sovereignty and power struggles originating in the 17th century—and contrasts it with the counter-Westphalian order (CWO), represented by the United Nations (UN), which was designed to promote global peace but has struggled to fulfill its mandate. Langley asserts that war continues due to entrenched political, economic, and cultural structures that sustain it, including nationalism, flawed security paradigms, and deep-seated historical narratives.

Langley explores war’s historical roots, highlighting how it has been normalized through the balance of power, military expansion, and state-centric security policies. He argues that the failures of the international social contract—rooted in exclusionary governance, economic inequalities, and a lack of collective global responsibility—have made war a persistent feature of human history. The book emphasizes the psychological memory of war, where past conflicts shape future hostilities, reinforcing a cycle of violence and militarization.

One of the core themes in “Abolishing War” is the failure of the UN and other global institutions to dismantle the war system. Langley discusses how Cold War politics, nationalism, and prioritizing military security over human security have subverted the CWO’s potential. Despite movements advocating disarmament and international legal frameworks such as the Kellogg-Briand Pact and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, the global order remains structured around the inevitability of conflict. He critiques the illusion that partial security can achieve lasting peace through deterrence, military alliances, and nuclear stockpiling.

Langley argues that abolishing war requires a fundamental shift in international governance and human consciousness. He proposes a series of UN reforms (many of which world federalists are acquainted with and advocate for), including restructuring the Security Council, strengthening the International Court of Justice, and realigning global financial systems to prioritize peace over militarization. He also highlights the importance of socioeconomic and moral transformation, advocating for policies that promote equity, human rights, and environmental sustainability.

Much of the book is dedicated to the idea that a global nonviolent movement is necessary to achieve lasting peace. Langley envisions a world where human security—centered on dignity, mutual responsibility, and planetary well-being—replaces traditional national security frameworks. He calls for a shift in education, culture, and governance to cultivate a global consciousness that rejects war to resolve disputes.

Ultimately, “Abolishing War” is both a scholarly critique and a timely call to action. Langley asserts that humanity stands at a crossroads: it can continue down a path of endless war and destruction or embrace a cooperative, community-centered global order. Through UN reforms, disarmament efforts, and a worldwide nonviolent movement, he argues that the abolition of war is not only possible but essential for human survival. The book challenges readers to rethink security, governance, and their role in shaping a peaceful future. This is a book that world federalists should read as a guide to creating a better world.