A Definition of Peace

Although various definitions of peace appear in the literature, there is no consensus on a conceptually clear definition to guide researchers in developing measurement procedures and indicators. This article proposes a definition of peace and develops guidelines for operationalizing the definition and establishing measurement procedures with specific indicators. Peace is defined as a two-dimensional construct with both objective and subjective measures that must be studied within specific micro to macro contexts. A measurement model is proposed and direction is given to developing specific indicators for the elements of that model.