Dorine van Norren: non-Western wisdom inspires us to re-evaluate Western thinking and its violence

Dorine van Norren, academic researcher and civil servant at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has done research into the non-Western sources for law: African, Asian and Latin American philosophies that have different concepts of life, humanity and the world. Many of these thoughts make us aware of the specific Western context in which international law has been developed and its flaws. Compared to Western philosophies, non-Western thought seems to care more for community rather than an exclusive focus on the individual. It tends to have more respect for all life and nature itself because it presents a more holistic and interconnected universe, as opposed to an alienated, alone human individual in a disconnected world. We can learn a lot from these philosophies and see where Western thinking and actions have become extremely violent, beyond the point where it can be accepted as normal.Video language: EnglishSupport Peace through Dialogue: thehaguepeace.org/site/donatingPeace Today is an initiative by The Hague Peace Projects