Educated at the University of Oslo, where he earned degrees in mathematics and sociology, Galtung’s academic journey was marked by an insatiable intellectual curiosity and a desire to apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems. His unique interdisciplinary background allowed him to merge mathematical precision with the social dynamics of human conflict, a combination that would characterize much of his later work.

In 1959, Galtung founded the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), which remains one of the most influential institutions dedicated to the study of peace and conflict. His role as its first director set the stage for the institute’s pioneering work in the field, establishing a new academic discipline that explored the complexities of violence, structural inequalities, and international conflict resolution. Under his guidance, PRIO launched the Journal of Peace Research in 1964, the first academic journal dedicated to peace studies, solidifying the field's legitimacy and offering a platform for critical discourse on conflict resolution.

Throughout his career, Galtung’s theoretical contributions were nothing short of revolutionary. His conceptualization of the “Conflict Triangle” in 1969 redefined how we understand violence. This framework, which distinguishes between direct, structural, and cultural violence, became a cornerstone of peace studies. According to Galtung, direct violence refers to physical or verbal acts of aggression, which are the most visible and easily recognizable forms of violence. Structural violence, on the other hand, refers to the systemic inequalities embedded within social, economic, and political systems that cause harm to marginalized populations. Cultural violence, a concept Galtung developed further in the 1990s, legitimizes both direct and structural violence through societal norms, ideologies, and practices that make such violence seem acceptable or even inevitable.

This multifaceted approach to violence allowed Galtung to address not only the immediate causes of conflict but also the underlying structures that perpetuate inequality and oppression. His work on structural violence, in particular, was groundbreaking. He argued that the failure to meet basic human needs, such as access to healthcare, education, and political power, constituted a form of violence as detrimental as physical harm. His insights into how global systems of power create and sustain these inequalities offered a new lens through which to view international relations and domestic policy.

One of the most striking examples of Galtung’s theory of structural violence can be seen in his analysis of global poverty. He contended that poverty was not simply a result of individual failures but a product of deeply entrenched social structures that prevent people from achieving their full potential. In this way, poverty became a form of violence, one that deprived individuals of their dignity and their ability to live fulfilling lives. This idea has had far-reaching implications, influencing everything from development policies to debates on social justice.

Galtung’s commitment to peace extended beyond the academic sphere. He was a passionate advocate for mediation and conflict resolution, working as a mediator in more than 150 conflicts across the globe. His approach to mediation was deeply influenced by his understanding of the “positive peace” concept—a peace that goes beyond the mere absence of conflict to include the presence of justice, equality, and respect for human rights. Unlike “negative peace,” which simply refers to the cessation of violence, positive peace requires addressing the root causes of conflict and creating systems that foster social cohesion and equity.

His work in international diplomacy was instrumental in conflict resolution efforts in regions as diverse as the Middle East, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Galtung’s ability to engage with conflicting parties and his emphasis on dialogue and mutual understanding earned him respect and recognition as a leading peace negotiator. His efforts to mediate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, for instance, demonstrated his unyielding belief that even the most intractable conflicts could be resolved through dialogue, compromise, and a shared commitment to peace.

Throughout his life, Galtung held professorships at prestigious institutions around the world, including Columbia University, the University of Oslo, and the University of Hawaii. From 1993 to 2000, he served as Distinguished Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Hawaii, where he continued to inspire and mentor countless students. His global influence extended to Malaysia, where he was appointed the Tun Mahathir Professor of Global Peace at the International Islamic University Malaysia until 2015.

A recipient of numerous awards, including the Right Livelihood Award in 1987, often referred to as the “Alternative Nobel Prize,” Galtung’s intellectual contributions were widely recognized. Yet, despite these accolades, Galtung remained humble, always insisting that the pursuit of peace required collective action and continuous effort.

The personal dimensions of Galtung’s life are as intriguing as his professional achievements. He was married twice, first to Ingrid Eide, a fellow sociologist, and later to Fumiko Nishimura, with whom he had two children, Irene and Fredrik. His family life was deeply intertwined with his academic pursuits, as both of his wives and his children shared his passion for social justice and peace. However, Galtung’s final years were marred by controversy surrounding his care in Stabekk Helsehus. His daughter, Irene, demanded an autopsy following his death, and the subsequent report revealed troubling details about the treatment he received in the hospice. Galtung’s death from pneumonia, which had gone undiagnosed and untreated, raised serious ethical concerns about the quality of care he was provided in his final days. Despite expressing a desire to live, Galtung was reportedly given morphine against his wishes, raising questions about the medical decisions made during his hospice care.

Galtung’s death has cast a shadow on the final chapter of his life, but it is important to remember him for the monumental contributions he made to the field of peace and conflict studies. His intellectual legacy will endure, offering future generations the tools to understand and address the complex and often hidden forms of violence that shape our world.

In remembering Johan Galtung, we celebrate not only his scholarly achievements but also his unwavering commitment to building a world where peace is not simply the absence of war, but the presence of justice, equity, and dignity for all. His life’s work reminds us that peace is not a passive state but an active process, one that requires constant vigilance, empathy, and a willingness to challenge the structures of violence that permeate our societies.

As we reflect on Galtung’s legacy, we are reminded of the immense power of ideas to shape the world. His vision of a peaceful and just world may seem elusive, but his work provides us with a roadmap to get there. And for that, we owe him an immeasurable debt of gratitude. Johan Galtung may no longer be with us, but his ideas, his spirit, and his passion for peace will continue to guide us for years to come.

May he rest in peace.