This publication is not for sale. It is provided as part of a worldwide Bible educational work supported by voluntary donations. To make a donation, please visit donate.jw.org. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the modern-language New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.

THIS MAGAZINE, The Watchtower, honors Jehovah God, the Ruler of the universe. It comforts people with the good news that God’s heavenly Kingdom will soon end all wickedness and transform the earth into a paradise. It promotes faith in Jesus Christ, who died so that we might gain everlasting life and who is now ruling as King of God’s Kingdom. This magazine has been published continuously since 1879 and is nonpolitical. It adheres to the Bible as its authority.

WHY SOME SAY YES

They believe that most governments want peace. To achieve that goal, many countries have joined the United Nations, whose stated mission is, in part, “to maintain international peace and security.”

They believe that most people want peace. A survey of about 42,000 people in 17 countries revealed widespread support of a world government that would address such issues as war, sickness, and poverty.

TO THINK ABOUT

To achieve world peace, all governments must work together.

• Is that likely to happen?

• What do recent news events indicate?

In 2024, the International Committee of the Red Cross stated: “More than 120 armed conflicts rage across the globe today,” and many of them are “in blatant disregard of the rules of international humanitarian law.”

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

To illustrate the meaning of that Bible verse, imagine how thrilled parents are to see their baby boy take his first steps. With practice, he can walk without falling. However, can he direct his steps without getting lost? Can he cross the street safely without getting hurt?

In a similar way, humans can walk. They have a measure of freedom in the choices they make. But they were not made with the ability to direct their step​—to rule themselves, independent of the help of their Creator.

Even the best governments cannot eradicate divisive traits from the human heart, including greed, pride, prejudice, and selfishness. (Jeremiah 17:9) History repeatedly confirms that these traits lead to tyranny and widespread suffering. For good reason, the Bible gives this sound advice: “For your own sakes, quit trusting in mere man.”​—Isaiah 2:22.

With those words, the Bible refers to a world government​—that is, God’s Kingdom. That Kingdom is a real government that will rule over the entire earth. (Daniel 7:13, 14; Revelation 11:15) When it does so, life will be far better than anything we can imagine today.

Consider what the Bible promises will happen in the future.

• Daniel 2:44: “The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed. . . . It alone will stand forever.”

• Psalm 46:9: “[God] is bringing an end to wars throughout the earth.”

• Isaiah 11:9: “[People] will not cause any harm or any ruin . . . because the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah.”a

No human government can accomplish this. But our Creator can​—and will!

WHY SOME SAY YES

They believe that religious leaders can promote peace. Clergymen often talk about altruistic values. Because of this, many people think that religious leaders can use their influence to help resolve some long-standing disputes.

They believe that religious values provide motivation for peace. One researcher found that peacemakers often “see their work as having some larger cosmic significance”​—in other words, as being part of a divine plan. This view can add to their incentive to work for peace, and it can heighten their hope for success.

TO THINK ABOUT

While religion may seem to be a force for peace, history reveals that religious people are often at the forefront of fighting.

• Does it seem reasonable to believe that conflicting ways of worship will bring world peace?

• Considering the role of religious people in warfare, is it more realistic to believe that religion will unite people or that it will continue to divide them?

  

  Left: Danil Semyonov/​AFP via Getty Images; bottom right: Dmytro Smolyenko/​Ukrinform/​Future Publishing via Getty Images

  Religions that tolerate or promote hatred and violence are part of the problem, not the solution

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

The book of Revelation uses the term “Babylon the Great” to refer to all religions that do not live up to the teachings of God’s Word.a (Revelation 17:5) These institutions are responsible for the deaths of countless innocent people throughout history.

Even in modern times, wars have often been fueled by religious differences. Religious leaders have often encouraged their followers to go to war against people of other faiths or even other branches of the same faith. Religions that tolerate or promote hatred and violence are part of the problem, not the solution.

In contrast, the Bible says that those who practice true religion “beat their swords into plowshares.” (Isaiah 2:2-4) That figurative expression indicates that they do not take sides in man’s wars. More than that, they strive to cultivate such qualities as love, kindness, and self-control.​—Galatians 5:22, 23.

The Bible has helped Jehovah’s Witnesses achieve a measure of genuine peace that transcends racial and national barriers. If such a worldwide brotherhood seems too good to be true, why not attend one of their meetings and see for yourself?

WHY SOME SAY YES

They believe that technology can promote communication that unites people. With the help of the Internet, social media, mobile phones, and apps that assist with language translation, people from different countries and cultures can talk to one another instantly. In some cases, technology has been used to host conversations between conflicting groups when it might not be possible or safe to meet in person.

They believe that technology can prevent conflicts. Tools such as artificial intelligence and satellite images could be used to monitor potential conflict zones. If authorities can learn of hate speech and other signs of unrest, they will be able to prevent a full-scale conflict.

They believe that technology can improve the economy. One way is by generating jobs. When there are more jobs and better pay, there is less frustration and inequality, which can reduce conflict.

For example, technology can improve farming and factory operations and give people access to online education and financial services. Such advances can help communities become more stable, giving less reason for conflict.

TO THINK ABOUT

Technology can contribute to peace only if those using it want peace.

• What happens when technology is used by those who promote conflict?

• How can technology bring world peace when it is being used to create advanced weapons?

• Can technology change a heart that is filled with greed, hatred, or prejudice?

  

  Clockwise from top: U.S. Air Force graphic; Creation Art/​stock.adobe.com; Guido Mieth/​DigitalVision via Getty Images; 3dsculptor/​stock.adobe.com

  Technology can contribute to peace only if those using it want peace

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

According to those Bible verses, conflict is often rooted in a person’s desires, thoughts, and attitudes. Indeed, people often fight because of greed, envy, or pride. Technology, no matter how advanced, cannot remove these traits.

Technology is simply a tool. It can be used either to build bridges that unite people or to create weapons that destroy them. Even the best technology can be misused if those using it have bad intentions.

The Bible teaches that world peace will come, not through technological advancements, but through God’s Kingdom. (Matthew 6:10) Through that Kingdom, God will bring “an end to wars throughout the earth” and destroy the weapons used in them. (Psalm 46:9) People will learn to be peaceable by changing how they think and feel about others. (Isaiah 54:13) In time, the attitudes that lead to war will no longer exist.​—Psalm 37:10, 11; Ephesians 4:22-24, 31, 32.

WHY SOME SAY YES

They believe that the more countries trade with one another, the less likely they will be to fight. For example, as the member states of the European Union integrated their economies, they became more dependent on one another. This was said to promote peace and stability in a region with a history of conflict.

African leaders have also connected prosperity with peace, and they claim that they can achieve both goals. “We are establishing the foundation for a massive increase in trade and investment in infrastructure,” says South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa. He states: “Economic prosperity is key to sustainable peace.”

They believe that spending more on preventing conflict can pave the way to peace. They reason that when businesses invest in countries where there is a high risk of conflict, new jobs can be created and public services improved. Such efforts can address issues that are considered causes of conflict, including poverty, inequality, and a lack of opportunities for young people.

They believe that business can support programs that help build peace. For example, it is thought that mentoring young people by having them participate in local community projects can steer them away from terrorism and extremism. Meanwhile, the African Development Bank recommends that financial organizations work closely with humanitarian and peacebuilding efforts.

TO THINK ABOUT

The international community has invested billions into economic development in recent decades.

• If that approach could lead to world peace, why are there still so many conflicts around the world?

• Can economic reform truly address conflicts that are driven by nationalism, religious extremism, or political divisions?

  

  Bottom: Kevin Frayer/​Getty Images

  Economic reforms cannot eliminate human greed

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

This verse highlights an important truth: The love of money, or greed, can lead to harmful actions. When people are mainly driven by the desire for wealth, they often make decisions that hurt themselves and others.​—Ecclesiastes 5:10.

Many conflicts begin with greed. Countries may fight over resources such as water, oil, or land that can bring economic wealth. Businesses may prioritize profits over people. Nations may exploit trade for selfish gain, fueling mistrust and tension. Even powerful countries may use their economic strength to dominate weaker ones, threatening global peace.

Economic reforms cannot eliminate human greed. The Bible explains that true peace will come when people are taught God’s ways and not because of trade deals or economic reforms. (Micah 4:2, 3) Those willing to be taught by God will no longer learn war, and they will make changes to their deep-seated way of thinking. They will change their attitude toward war and violence. They will learn how to be peacemakers instead of learning how to fight.​—Romans 12:18.

• BETTER GOVERNMENT

• RELIGION

• TECHNOLOGY

• ECONOMIC REFORM

What are the strengths of the option you chose? What are its weaknesses? Is there another way to peace?

Find out in this issue of The Watchtower.