The current year of 1986 has been specially designated as the International Year of Peace. But when we look at the state of affairs in the world of today, we may wonder if the present time is entitled to that cheerful and honourable appellation. I think we should rather call it The International Year in Need of Peace. Obviously, we are now living in a period of time when the world is badly in need of peace. It is not peace that prevails in the world at this time, but its antithesis, war and violence, that is prevalent.