Peace, Pandemics, and Conflict

ABSTRACT

This chapter explores the nexus between peace, pandemics, and conflict. It begins by discussing the role that disease has had in shaping human history. The risk of a natural pandemic becoming an extinction-level threat to humanity is then assessed. Pandemics' effects on making conflict more likely are identified as an under-researched area. Peacebuilding opportunities alongside pandemic preparedness and response are discussed. The chapter then concludes with a discussion of critical questions for future research on the relationships between peace, pandemics, and conflict. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.