Time Magazine should have named WAR instead of Donald Trump as “Person of the Year.” In 2024, war propaganda took center stage in political and international relations, dominating the discourse and shaping global actions. All forms of conflict—whether it be military warfare, the so-called war on immigrants, political battles, technological conflicts, or business rivalries—were framed through the lens of war. It seemed as though everyone believed they could succeed by making others fail.

The Democrats in the United States exemplified this war-driven approach, and they lost badly. Even the progressive and anti-war movements fell into this trap, pouring their energy into anti-war activism without transitioning into a genuine strategy for peace. Over time, these movements have morphed into reactionary forces, attempting to confront the “multinational war machine” using outdated models from the last century.

Every media outlet, without exception—whether mainstream or alternative—focused obsessively on war. They debated wars, analyzed wars, and invited experts, professors, and ex-military personnel to discuss wars. It didn’t matter whether the narrative was for or against; all sides justified their engagement with war.

Protests against wars erupted in the streets, but they lacked a tangible plan for peacebuilding. There was no genuine motivation to foster peace in people’s lives or communities. This raises critical questions: What progress have we made in understanding peace? Where does peace truly come from? How can we build peace? And perhaps, most importantly, Are we at peace with ourselves?

As we enter 2025, it’s time to shift our focus. Let’s stop pouring our energy into war—whether through protest or analysis—and concentrate instead on building peace. Let’s channel our mental, economic, technological, social, and political resources into fostering peace at every level. If what you’re doing doesn’t contribute to building peace, then it’s time to reconsider and refocus.

As one great adoptive New Yorker once said, “Give Peace a Chance.”