Conflict resolution would benefit from chemistry

The best human hope for peace in troubled times may be in chemistry. Special atoms direct behavior.

In the negative, we see the action of alcohol on the brain and the cravings of addiction on all parts of the body. In the positive, pediatricians see children with molecular problems such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. These kids struggle to exert control over their impulsive thoughts and behaviors. Self-mastery is promoted by a pill that increases polypeptides, molecules, in the brain.

Magically, the whirlwind becomes a new person without a single change in morals or religious education. One wonders if wars between battling foes are like ADHD, a collection of behaviors that could be treated with a prescription.

Peace is the byproduct of mutual survival and trust. For all to enjoy peace, both enemies must survive. This is the style of the female life giver. The hormone, oxytocin, critical in the uterine contractions of birth, nursing and sexual arousal makes the difference. Men rely upon on other hormones for their self survival.

Oxytocin triggers trust. Therefore, the worst people to petition for peace would be angry men. If we know how chemistry influences behavior, maybe for future political negotiations we should have those better biochemically primed to produce a peaceful outcome. For reconciliation in the Middle East, we should all insist that only Israeli and Palestinian nursing mothers should be allowed in the room.

Stories of conflict resolution from biblical times can have deeper understanding by thinking of the molecules involved. Again speaking of oxytocin, the wisdom of Solomon may have included an understanding that a nursing mother is focused on her child surviving. The mother who was providing of herself to nurture a child would be the one to give up the baby to the other women and not have her infant divided in half.

Traditional non-lactating negotiators in armed struggles are all too ready to sacrifice the babe of peace rather than surrender for the good of the whole.