Can Better Government Bring World Peace?

WHY SOME SAY YES

They believe that most governments want peace. To achieve that goal, many countries have joined the United Nations, whose stated mission is, in part, “to maintain international peace and security.”

They believe that most people want peace. A survey of about 42,000 people in 17 countries revealed widespread support of a world government that would address such issues as war, sickness, and poverty.

TO THINK ABOUT

To achieve world peace, all governments must work together.

Is that likely to happen?
What do recent news events indicate?

In 2024, the International Committee of the Red Cross stated: “More than 120 armed conflicts rage across the globe today,” and many of them are “in blatant disregard of the rules of international humanitarian law.”

Collage: The effects of armed conflict. 1. Angry protesters with masks confront police who are carrying riot shields. 2. A crowd of adults and children, including a crying boy, press forward against a fence and reach for food. 3. People walk through extensive piles of rubble in a city that has been devastated by explosives.

Even the best governments cannot eradicate divisive traits from the human heart

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

“It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.”—Jeremiah 10:23.

To illustrate the meaning of that Bible verse, imagine how thrilled parents are to see their baby boy take his first steps. With practice, he can walk without falling. However, can he direct his steps without getting lost? Can he cross the street safely without getting hurt?

In a similar way, humans can walk. They have a measure of freedom in the choices they make. But they were not made with the ability to direct their step—to rule themselves, independent of the help of their Creator.

“Man has dominated man to his harm.”—Ecclesiastes 8:9.

Even the best governments cannot eradicate divisive traits from the human heart, including greed, pride, prejudice, and selfishness. (Jeremiah 17:9) History repeatedly confirms that these traits lead to tyranny and widespread suffering. For good reason, the Bible gives this sound advice: “For your own sakes, quit trusting in mere man.”—Isaiah 2:22.

“Let your Kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also on earth.”—Matthew 6:9, 10.

With those words, the Bible refers to a world government—that is, God’s Kingdom. That Kingdom is a real government that will rule over the entire earth. (Daniel 7:13, 14; Revelation 11:15) When it does so, life will be far better than anything we can imagine today.

Consider what the Bible promises will happen in the future.

Daniel 2:44: “The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed. . . . It alone will stand forever.”
Psalm 46:9: “[God] is bringing an end to wars throughout the earth.”
Isaiah 11:9: “[People] will not cause any harm or any ruin . . . because the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah.”a

No human government can accomplish this. But our Creator can—and will!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Try our free Bible course, or request a visit from one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

a Jehovah is the name of God as revealed in the Bible. See the article “Who Is Jehovah?”