T ransforming the E mpire with a D epartment of P eace

This article argues that transformation of the American Empire requires changing American culture and that this can best be achieved by establishing a Department of Peace. It presents details of how such a department could be structured to facilitate cultural change and then addresses the political challenges involved in establishing such a department. A brief history of past attempts to create a Department of Peace reveals three major challenges: the danger of co‐option, the necessity of facing bureaucratic conflicts, and the need to overcome nationalistic political opposition. To meet these challenges, those involved in the peace movement must recognize and resolve three specific sources of tension within the movement. The article addresses these tensions.