HORIZONTAL PEACE

THEORY

Horizontal Peace Theory to end the Russo-Ukrainian Conflict by Lars Hilse

This website presents the key insights from Lars Hilse’s Horizontal Peace Theory, based on his peer reviewed December 2024 essay, “Horizontal Peace in Ukraine Simplified” which explores the complex roots of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict.

It proposes a novel solution for lasting peace. Moving beyond traditional narratives, the article highlights the interplay of history, psychology, culture, and economics, and introduces the idea of a “horizontal” rather than a “vertical” peace.

ENDING THE

RUSSO-UKRAINIAN CONFLICT

Read the full research article by Lars Hilse: “Horizontal Peace in Ukraine Simplified” (Policy Perspectives 21:2, 2024 DOI: 10.13169/polipers.21.2.ra2)

  • Introduction

    It’s not about Putin, Zelenskyy, Ukraine, or Russia. It’s about MILLIONS OF HUMAN LIVES lost or forever changed for the worse. It’s about ending a resolvable conflict, which could ultimately escalate to a NUCLEAR EXCHANGE.  more ›

  • TL;DR

    The Russo-Ukrainian conflict is rooted in history, psychology, economics, and culture. Lasting peace must address both resource interests and cultural identities. Innovative solutions—like the “horizontal” approach—offer hope for a permanent, stable and just resolution. more ›

  • Objective

    Horizontal Peace means ending conflicts by horizontally aligning the pursued interests of all involved parties instead of vertical divisions.  more ›

  • Motive

    My grandparents, who were displaced from Königsberg during World War II, shared some really heartbreaking war stories with me. As a pacifist, I’ve always been deeply troubled by the countless failed attempts to create peace. It’s heartbreaking to think about… more ›

  • Understanding the Conflict

    Resolving the Russo-Ukrainian Conflict will require a division; yet other than in previous conflicts a vertical division will not suffice. The conflict in Ukraine is extremely complicated, with origins way deeper than the hot phase starting 2022, which dominated world… more ›

  • Key Factors Shaping the Conflict

    A study of Putin’s leadership style demonstrates a personality driven by a strong desire to show authority and stay in control. His methodical style of developing strategy is matched by his readiness to employ deliberate assertiveness when he perceives the… more ›

  • A New Path to Peace: The “Horizontal” Solution

    When people think about resolving territorial conflicts, they usually go for the traditional approach – drawing a line on a map that separates one side from the other. This vertical division of territory has been the solution for countless conflicts… more ›

  • Conclusion

    So, the path to resolving the Russo-Ukrainian conflict isn’t going to be as simple as we might think. It’s not about just drawing new borders and calling it a day. This situation is way too complicated and deeply rooted for… more ›