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Dr Keith Suter on Making Peace in the World Today
Dr Keith Suter (fourth from left) with members of the Blue Mountains Peace Collective.
Recognising how violence and war impact the health of the planet, the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative has become a member of the Blue Mountains Peace Collective. On Sunday 25th May, members of the Collective attended a presentation by Dr Keith Suter on Making Peace in the World Today at the Leura Uniting Church.
Key Points:
The Doomsday Clock, which estimates humanity’s proximity to extinction, has been moved to 89 seconds to midnight.
There are steps all of us can take to grow a global movement for peace.
By adopting a Planetary Health approach – one that recognises the interdependence of human health and the health of our social, economic and environmental systems – we can forge a more peaceful, secure future.
The ‘dis-integration’ of the world through an increase in violence and war is creating an existential threat to all life. This year marks the sober 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, which killed up to 246,000 people. It remains the only use of nuclear weapons in an armed conflict. For months afterward, many people continued to die from the effects of burns, radiationsickness, and other injuries, compounded by illness and malnutrition.
Since then, every year the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has set theDoomsday Clock: a metaphor for estimating humanity’s proximity to extinction.
Dr Keith Suter (AM) from Global Directions, a member of the Club of Rome, former President of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Sydney, and well known media commentator, has written three doctorates: the first examined the international law of guerrilla warfare (University of Sydney), the second explored the social and economic consequences of the arms race (Deakin University) and the third doctorate analysed scenario planning (Sydney University).
Members of the Leura Uniting Church and the Blue Mountains Peace Collective gathered to hear Dr Keith Suter on Sunday 25 May
At a community gathering in Leura, Dr Suter defined peace and the principles of working for peace, before outlining current global concerns and what we urgently need to do to stop the Doomsday Clock reaching midnight. In the question time following, he drew the link between climate change, environmental degradation and peace, and assured everyone that writing letters to politicians does have an impact!
You can watch Dr Suter’s full presentation in this video. Read further for a detailed outline of his talk.
Last month, the Permanent Secretariat of the World Summit of Nobel Laureates for Peace also hosted a webinar underscoring the inextricable link between Planetary Health, environmental sustainability and peace:
For peace to prevail in the long term, we must address these interconnected ecological determinants of human health. Climate change, environmental degradation, and health crises do not respect borders – they have the power to spark conflict, drive displacement, and deepen social inequities. By adopting a Planetary Health approach – one that recognizes the interdependence of human health and environmental systems – we can forge a more peaceful, secure future.
Below is an outline of Dr Keith Suter’s presentation:
MAKING PEACE IN THE WORLD TODAY – Dr Keith Suter
A resource for Twilight at Leura Uniting Church on Sunday 25th May 2025
INTRODUCTION: PEACE
What is “peace”?
More than simply the absence of war
It also involves co-operation and non-violent social change, aimed at creating more equitable and just structures in the communities and societies in which we live
Declaration of St James’ Palace June 1941:
The only true basis of enduring peace is the willing co-operation of free peoples in a world in which, relieved of the menace of aggression, all may enjoy economic and social security.
Principles of Working for Peace
Countries can win wars but lose the peace
“Violence” is not just about war alone: in the 20th Century more people were killed by their own governments than by foreign invaders
There has to be a change within each person
“Shalom”: wholeness
More than just about the scrapping of weapons: converting the weapons of war into the tools of peace: from swords into ploughs
Given the fallen nature of humankind, there will always be violence of some sort and so complete “peace” is not possible this side of the grave
Triangle of Peace
Disarmament
Conflict resolution
Search for justice
CURRENT CONCERNS
AUKUS: Australia, UK, USA
September 16 2021: AUKUS agreement is one of the most important foreign policy decisions in recent Australian history
Australian media tended to focus on submarines but the big picture is even more important; French submarine programme was over time and over budget
“China” was not mentioned in the three statements but was present throughout the media event
Are the decks being cleared for action against China? Variation of the “Thucydides Trap“? (Graham Allison); of 16 arms races in the last 500 years, 12 resulted in war
Risk of sleepwalking into a war with China
Taiwan could be the flashpoint to trigger a confrontation
In the recent general election neither of the two main parties questioned the viability of AUKUS
But New Cold War is Different from the Old One
The old Cold War (US-USSR, 1945-91) was mainly a military confrontation because the USSR was excluded from the world economy
New Cold War has China at the centre of the global economy (including via the Belt and Road Initiative: BRI)
How to oppose militarily a major trading partner?
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Basic Themes of Australian Foreign and Defence Policy
Fear of invasion
Fear that Australia cannot defend itself on its own; Australia is responsible for about 10 per cent of Earth’s surface
Need for a “great and powerful friend”
Payment of insurance premiums (beginning with the NSW troop deployments in UK’s 19th African conflicts) in the hope that the protector will come to Australia’s aid in a crisis
In short: Australia’s foreign and defence policy has been guided by the priorities of the senior ally (UK up to December 1941; now US e.g. Vietnam, “war on terror”, Afghanistan, Iraq)
There is little consistent public interest in this subject: people are anxious to be reassured that “something” is being done by “somebody” and then they turn their attention elsewhere, such as sport
Wider Context
Is China a threat to Australia? How should Australia respond to China-Taiwan tensions? Do we follow the US lead?
For the first time since 1788, Australia’s largest trading partner: isn’t part of the Western political/military alliance; isn’t part of the European cultural heritage; isn’t a developed country; isn’t a democracy: Yes: China is going to become the superpower, but it is doing things differently
How do we operate a fully-fledged nuclear-powered submarine fleet?
Can we trust the US? No country stays on top forever
“Armed neutrality”/ Swedish model: should Australia do more for its own defence and get rid of the US bases; reintroduce conscription; create compulsory forms of service in military and civilian corps, produce more of its own weapons; educate the general public to be more self-reliant?
“New Zealand” option: scrap much of the overseas military capability and reduce the US connection
Will “defence force modernisation” simply trigger local arms races and so would Australia be better off by not modernising and to seek to reassure the local region that it has no aggressive intentions?
Create a Ministry for Peace and do defence and foreign policy differently e.g. more economic and social co-operation?
Conclusion: there are plenty of alternatives to the current policy- but a lack of political will and public pressure to make changes.
Keith Suter
keith.suter@globaldirections.com.au
Take Action:
Join the Blue Mountains Peace Collective to strive for global nuclear disarmament and a peaceful, independent future for Australia.
In a world being threatened by war, greed, cruelty and selfishness, the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend will close with a gathering of people who have faith that kindness, generosity, love, creativity and community, and the healing of our land, are a better way forward. We`re thrilled that harpist Dawn Egan will be performing at this inspiring event in the Planetary Health exhibition space. Afternoon tea will be provided. Register to attend here (link in profile under Wellness Weekend): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
Had lunch yet? Head over to the Planetary Health Centre for these delicious offerings from @8thingskatoomba today (Sat 28 Feb): South Indian dosa, Korean bao, NY Cheese burger, Bali nasi, Mullum tofu fries, shoestring fires & red bean mochi!
Don`t miss hearing Andrew Skeoch at 2pm today at the Planetary Health Centre! He`s an acoustic ecologist and author of `Deep Listening to Nature` and uses technology to help identify the different `conversations` happening in the world around us. His presentations are a revelation! Reserve your spot here (link in profile under Planetary Health Wellness Weekend): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
Experience the joy and sense of purpose that connecting to community, nature, and your own creativity can provide this weekend at the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend. There will be delicious food and coffee, music, art, workshops, nature walks, talks, an Interfaith Gathering and the following stalls:
Food vendor: @8thingskatoomba Zensational Coffee Cart @blue_mts_conservation_society Blue Mountains Wildplant Rescue Blue Mountains Women`s Health & Resource Centre (BMWHRC) Greater Blue Mountains Rotary @permaculturematters Acoustic Ecologist and author of ‘Deep Listening to Nature’, Andrew Skeoch @lacebrookstitchery Sustainable death care BMCC Sustainability and Waste team BMCC Bushcare team View the full program and reserve your spot for a range of activities here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
Are humans the only species capable of grief? While grief is often treated as a uniquely human experience, any animal capable of forming attachments also has the capacity to grieve. Join Teya Brooks Pribac, author of ‘Animal Grief and Spirituality: Cross-Species Perspectives’ at the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend on Sat 28 Feb, as she reviews key theoretical foundations of cross-species grief. The flip side of deeply caring for animals is the grief we also feel when we lose them - beloved companion animals, wildlife, or animals harmed by human activity. By validating both nonhuman animal grief and human grief for other animals, this presentation invites a more compassionate and inclusive understanding of loss. Reserve your spot here (link in profile for Wellness Weekend): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
Would you like to help those around you who may be struggling with their mental health? Come along to the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend on Sat 28 Feb for an Introduction to Mental Health First Aid. Rotarian Ian Scott will define mental health, talk briefly about the most common mental health issues in Australia, and cover the basics of recognising when someone is experiencing a mental health issue or problem. He`ll outline what is covered in a full Mental Health First Aid course. We are planning to deliver a course later this year so it`s a great opportunity to learn more. Reserve your spot here (Link in profile for PH Wellness Weekend): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
At our Planetary Health Wellness Weekend on Sat 28 Feb, Christopher Smith and Juan Roberson, Shared Reading facilitators, will introduce how the reading and discussion of great short stories and poetry can change lives and strengthen social connection, compassion, and empathy. Shared Reading, or social bibliotherapy, for all ages, is one of the most inspiring and magical ways of dealing with loneliness and the struggles of the human condition. "Shared reading makes the process of revealing who you are to other people safer." Learn how groups can be run in-person and online. Reserve your spot here (Wellness Weekend link in profile): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
You can view Christopher Smith`s TED Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=dAxk61E0R88
It`s just under a week until the Blue Mountains Interfaith Gathering on Sun 1 March, starting with a smoking ceremony by Chris Tobin at 2pm. It`s the culmination of the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend which is looking at physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. Afternoon tea will be provided. Reserve your spot here (link in profile under Wellness Weekend): https://events.humanitix.com/planetary-health-wellness-weekend
Join Harumi Hayakawa for an introduction to ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging at the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend on Saturday 28 February. You’ll get hands-on practice creating an arrangement and learn about the history and philosophy of ikebana, and how this calm, meditative practice uses flowers as a gentle and creative form of therapy. Reserve your spot here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/planetary-health-wellness-weekend
Learn how to incorporate meditation and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction into your life at our Planetary Health Wellness Weekend on Sat 28 Feb. Experience a short interactive mindfulness activity led by Betty Ramsay, physio and health coach at The University of Sydney. She has years of experience working with people who are living with life stresses including caring roles, work demands, pain, chronic illness, depression, and anxiety. Reserve your spot for this inspiring and free event here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/planetary-health-wellness-weekend
Thought about doing yoga but never tried it? Join Sheila Annis from Mountain Mist Yoga in Woodford to experience how this rich and vast practice can lead you on a path to better health, and can even be practised from a chair! Reserve your spot for the Chair Yoga session on Sat 28 Feb at the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend in Katoomba here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/planetary-health-wellness-weekend
Learn more about Mountain Mist Yoga here: https://mountainmistyoga.com/
Join multi-award-winning photographer Sue Lightfoot at the Planetary Health Wellness weekend on Sat 28 Feb as she shares how taking up photography to manage her mental health after PTSD has opened up a life filled with creativity, compassion and consciousness. Living a creative life has expanded to include creating permaculture gardens from recycled materials and finding multiple ways to give back to the community. Through creativity she has learnt "to see and feel the world, to live with awe and wonder, to change lenses, shift [her] focus and embrace all forms of light … to enjoy nature and mother earth and accept we are all connected.” She’s been inspired by Miksang, Tibetan for “good eye”, which is a form of contemplative photography that is about seeing and photographing the world exactly as it is, rather than how we want it to be, focusing on colour, light, texture, and pattern. Her session is free but reserve your place here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/planetary-health-wellness-weekend
Learn more about Sue and her work here: www.suelightfoot.com
“Every body can help the planet” is the tagline of Earthly Remains, a not-for-profit organisation set up to advocate for human composting as a more sustainable death care option in Australia.
