The necessity of establishing “peace studies” in Iranian universities

ABSTRACT The international crises that necessitate cooperation between nations and the prevalence of violent behaviors in different countries have led to a need for educational processes that support peaceful attitudes and behaviors. Iran is one such country that suffers from violence-related issues, which may stem from a lack of educational processes. Given the importance of training for peace and the role of educational institutions, this qualitative study aimed to discuss the need to establish peace studies in Iranian universities and the prerequisites needed for this purpose. The study involved 35 faculty members, mainly specializing in law, political science, sociology, and curriculum planning, who participated in semi-structured interviews. The multicultural nature of Iranian society, the high prevalence of violent behaviors, Iran’s geographical location in the volatile Middle East, and the need to develop relations with other nations make it necessary to establish peace studies. The study found that establishing peace studies not only educates professionals who are enthusiastic about peace but also fosters the development of ideas and policies that promote peace in Iran. In sum, this study highlights the importance of promoting peaceful attitudes through higher education.