Date of Award
Summer 2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Theology
First Advisor
Alexandre Martins
Second Advisor
Conor Kelly
Third Advisor
Mark Johnson
Fourth Advisor
SimonMary Aihiokhai
Abstract
ABSTRACT INCLUSIVE PEACE PROCESS FROM THE BACKDROP OF THEOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY AND CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING: A KEY TO PREVENTING AND ENDING VIOLENT CONFLICT Violent conflicts and wars have created some of the worst challenges and chaos in world history. However, because humanity has endured these periods, resources have been invested in developing mechanisms and approaches to promote reconciliation and peace among warring or conflicting groups. An inclusive peace process aims to ensure that diverse groups are represented, allowing everyone’s voice to be heard through participation in conflict resolution and peace efforts. The goal is to prevent violence, de-escalate ongoing conflicts, or end them altogether. This approach also emphasizes identifying the root causes of conflict and encouraging everyone’s involvement in ways that foster solidarity, shared responsibility, and interdependence. Highlighting participation regardless of background or status underscores everyone’s value and essential role in the process, fostering a sense of inclusion and importance. In light of this, this dissertation advocates for a bottom-up approach to the peace process or a top-down approach with bottom-up improvisation. Thus, it provides a foundation for inclusive governance where everyone can contribute to building their community, especially during times of crisis and challenge. This dissertation contends that the theological anthropology underlying CST principles, along with those principles, is essential to a genuinely inclusive peace process. It is based on the theological foundation of the creation narrative, which affirms the equal dignity of all humans and naturally calls for equal rights for those involved in decision-making that affects them. Against this background, the work aims to answer the question: How can we resolve and sustain peace in a violent, warring world? To do this, the study is organized into four chapters: starting with an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of just war theory, then exploring peacebuilding as an alternative. Next, it discusses peacebuilding without people’s participation, culminating in an examination of an inclusive peace process rooted in theological anthropology and Catholic Social Teaching. The dissertation concludes with a summary of key findings and offers important recommendations. Ultimately, this work highlights the importance of integrating theology and politics as a vital resource for building sustainable peace in today’s world — a ‘theologico-political’ approach to the peace process and conflict resolution.