Engineering for Peace and Diplomacy

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

This is a reasonable descriptive paper with respect to engineering for peace, and introduces and argues the topic well.

The paper appears to be mainly focused on argument and discussion rather than any particular analysis approach, other than that shown described in Figure 3. This approach requires a strong literature review to support the discussion.

Figures 1, 2 and 4 are satisfactory and illustrate the points to which they refer. However, it would be good to have a worked example to support the discussion in Figure 3. This example could be real or hypothetical.

Figure 4 is satisfactory.

The discussion about the current offers with respect to peace engineering in the United States is good. It could perhaps be supplemented by a discussion of other similar initiatives offered elsewhere (if any exist).

The conclusion is satisfactory and sums the discussion up quite well.

Author Response

Thank you for reviewing this paper. Figure 3 and the associated text are meant to be generic in nature. I am actually looking for projects. I wanted to show how to approach a peace and community development project and open the proposed methodology for review and discussion. We really need a community of practice. 

The literature in the field of engineering for peace and diplomacy is very limited. I think I have covered most of it, to the best of my knowledge. 

Reviewer 2 Report

This is a most articulate and timely article on the role of engineering in promoting a sustainable and peaceful word.

The author clearly explains the main concepts of the relevant literature (e.g., peace engineering, the notion of positive peace, engineering & diplomacy), which is of utmost importance given the focus of the paper, which, i believe is of interest  to a wide variety of readers, and not just to engineers, or those simply interested in engineering. 

In adopting a system approach to peace, the author considers the variety of systems and subsystems whose interaction results in the emergence of peace.. Such an approach to peace allows the author to propose a methodology for addressing community peace. The eleven steps as well as the feedback loops provide 

I believe that the author has done an excellent job in pointing out the need, the value and the importance of engineering for peace (and diplomacy). 

Thus i recommend publication. 

My only suggestion is that something could be said about how to lay the foundations for engineering for peace. I mean, in such a paper, which deals with the issue of peace, the role of education should also feature in a paragraph or two. And even though thinking, designing, and decision making (with regard to engineering for peace and diplomacy) should be an important part of the education of future engineers at the university level, the foundations of such an education can and should be laid much earlier. Given the current emphasis on STEM education, it is crucial that STEM education be humanized. The notions of peace and sustainability should be part and parcel of the STEM curricula that are designed and implemented in both primary and secondary education. I believe such a humanization of primary and especially secondary STEM education can better prepare future engineers (i.e., it can facilitate the achievement of educational goals and objectives at the university level, it can facilitate the design and implementation of peace engineering  projects. Seem for example,

1) Hadzigeorgiou, Y. (2005). Science, Personal Relevance and Social Responsibility: Integrating the Liberal and the Humanistic Traditions of Science Education. Educational Practice & Theory, 27, 87-103.

Hadzigeorgiou, Y. & Konsolas, M. (2001). Global Problems and the Curriculum: Toward A Humanistic and Constructivist Science Education. Curriculum & Teaching, 16, 39-49.

And one more thing: if the author knows of another "Apollo-Soyuz moment"  it would be very interesting to the readers as another example.

I liked this paper very much and i do belive that it will make a significant contribution to the existing literature. 

Author Response

Thank you for your review. As suggested, I have added a sentence emphasizing the importance of introducing peace and sustainability issues not only in college education but also in preparatory primary and secondary education. I mentioned your 2001 reference. 

Reviewer 3 Report

This is a well written article that argues for the role of engineers in peace building. The author does a nice job of examining the peace literature and suggesting ways in which engineers can engage with the peace building process. The relevant peace engineering programs are mentioned and the author suggests a systems approach for peace building.

My only suggestion is that the author should better connect to the engineering literature on peace building and social justice. There are leaders in this field that have been working on engineering and peace for decades, however they are not cited. In particular the following individuals are part of the Engineering, Social Justice, and Peace Network but are not referenced by the author. (There is also a journal by the same name that will have interesting and relevant content: https://ojs.library.queensu.ca/index.php/IJESJP/ )

Caroline Baille

Donna Riley

Dean Nieusma (in particular his article Engineering and War) 

Juan Lucena

Jon Leydens

I would encourage the author to incorporate this material into this article to better situate the argument within the engineering community. 

Author Response

I have included on pp 10 all suggested references related to engineering, social justice and peace. Thank you for bringing those to my attention.