By Noam Rotstain
Introduction
Peace is not just the absence of war; it is the foundation for economic growth, social stability, and political cooperation. The Middle East knows well that war often leads to destruction, displacement, and long-term societal trauma, while peace creates conditions where communities can flourish and live life peacefully. A powerful example of this contrast is seen in Europe, which was devastated by two world wars in the first half of the 20th century, but later transformed into one of the most peaceful and prosperous regions in the world through putting aside long held griviences and grudges for the goal of shared stability and peace. This paper explores how peace benefits societies, using the historical context of Europe before and after World War II to illustrate its wide-ranging impact and drawing lessons for conflict-affected regions like the Middle East.
The Cost of War in Europe
Before 1945, Europe was frequently embroiled in conflict. World War I and World War II caused unprecedented destruction, both physically and economically. The two wars killed over 70 million people combined and left entire cities in ruins (Hobsbawm, 1994). Economies collapsed, infrastructure was destroyed, and millions were displaced. Nations diverted massive resources toward military spending, which came at the cost of education, healthcare, and development (Overy, 1995). Socially, the wars caused deep psychological wounds and fractured communities, all stemming from vengeance and the veil of hate.
Post-War Transformation Through Peace
After World War II, European nations chose cooperation over conflict. Institutions like the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and eventually the European Union (EU) were created to foster economic and political integration (Judt, 2005). These alliances reduced the risk of war by making economies interdependent and encouraging dialogue and coexistence over disputes.
The results were dramatic. Europe saw rapid economic recovery through the Marshall Plan, with Western European countries experiencing sustained growth, innovation, and improved living standards (Hogan, 1987). Socially, peace allowed for investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Politically, former enemies became partners. Germany and France, once bitter rivals, became co-founders of the EU and central figures in its ongoing peace project.
Wider Impacts of Peace
The European example shows how peace promotes economic development—meaning peace most certainly pays off. Peaceful countries attract more foreign investment and tourism, and they spend more on public services than on defense, more on developing their civilian population rather than trying to scapegoat minorities as a distraction from political leaders’ corruption and failures. Peace enhances political stability, making governments more accountable and responsive to their citizens (Collier, 2007). In post-war Europe, democratic institutions flourished, human rights were prioritized, and quality of life improved significantly, making Europe an entirely different continent than it once was only about eighty years ago.
Lessons for the Middle East
The Middle East, long marred and bloodied by cycles of conflict, vengeance, foreign intervention, and political instability, can draw meaningful lessons from Europe’s post-war recovery. While the historical, cultural, and geopolitical contexts differ, especially in terms of the role religiosity plays, the core principles remain applicable: peace enables progress, and peace lets us live. Regional people-to-people cooperation through institutions and organizations, economic integration, education reforms, and tolerant governance can build the bridge to lasting stability.
Efforts to build economic ties—like joint infrastructure projects, trade agreements, and water-sharing initiatives—can act as foundations for broader peacebuilding. Political dialogue must replace military escalation, and investment in education and civil society should be prioritized to foster resilient institutions. International partners can also play a role, not through imposition, but by supporting locally driven peace initiatives and development plans similar to those seen in Europe.
Examples like the Abraham Accords show that shifts toward normalization and cooperation are possible despite world-shaking conflicts. While peace may not come easily, the European experience proves it is achievable—and its benefits are worth the effort. and the people of the Middle East are up to giving it a try.
Conclusion
Peace benefits everyone. It allows societies to rebuild, grow, thrive, and see horizons that wars previously polluted. Europe’s transformation from a torn and devastated continent of conflict to one of cooperation highlights the long-term advantages of choosing peace. The Middle East stands at a similar crossroads. By learning from Europe’s path and investing in cooperation, the region can move toward a more peaceful and prosperous future. While peace requires effort and compromise, its dividends—economic, social, and political—are universal and enduring. Acting on an “eye-for-an-eye” leaves everyone blind.
References
Collier, P. (2007). The bottom billion: Why the poorest countries are failing and what can be done about it. Oxford University Press.
Hobsbawm, E. (1994). Age of extremes: The short twentieth century, 1914–1991. Michael Joseph.
Hogan, M. J. (1987). The Marshall Plan: America, Britain, and the reconstruction of Western Europe, 1947-1952. Cambridge University Press.
Judt, T. (2005). Postwar: A history of Europe since 1945. Penguin Press.
Overy, R. J. (1995). Why the Allies won. W. W. Norton & Company.
English 
עִבְרִית