I am currently training in Restorative Practice, a transformational system that reimagines justice by shifting the focus from punishment to healing — inviting those affected to come together, repair harm, restore trust, and build safer, more connected communities. In this course, we often discuss the current state of the UK prison system: underfunded, overcrowded, understaffed, rife with violence, and filled with traumatised, abused people who are unlikely to heal — let alone change — within such conditions. Evidence clearly shows that imprisonment does not stop people from reoffending, whereas international restorative justice models — such as the one used in New Zealand — demonstrate far more promising outcomes.

Of course, change and innovation always take time and effort. There is systemic inertia, a sense of “but we’ve always done it like this,” financial constraints, and perhaps also a lack of understanding about alternative systems. But, to me, the deeper issue is that society itself needs to evolve for Restorative or Transformative Justice to become the norm. Our collective mindset is still too focused on blame and punishment, and not enough on the root causes of harm. What has shaped a person’s behaviour? What kind of life have they lived? What trauma or abuse have they endured?

And how does this evolution happen? How does a society shift from hierarchical, punitive, blame-focused systems to new ways of being that are centred on equality, inclusion, empathy and understanding? How do we build a society that is trauma-informed and preventative — one that recognises root causes rather than simply responding to harm once it has already occurred?

The good news is that this evolution is already underway. Visionary leaders and communities around the world are focusing on individual, collective and ancestral healing — from trauma experts like the wonderful Thomas Hübl to many other practitioners working quietly in their fields. Trauma sensitivity is becoming more mainstream, and more people are recognising that real, lasting change is impossible without awareness and personal growth.

So what is the connection to world peace? Exactly this: understanding that even large-scale conflicts are trauma-driven — shaped by the inner landscapes of politicians, governments and world leaders. Consider, for example, how commentators often point to the impact of early adversity, fear and insecurity when examining authoritarian leadership styles. Many have speculated that Vladimir Putin’s formative years included hardship, instability and emotional deprivation, and argue that such experiences may contribute to a worldview that distrusts vulnerability and prioritises control and winning at all costs.

Now imagine how different Russia — and the world — might look if a leader shaped by such experiences had been met with trauma-informed support or therapeutic intervention early in life. Even if he had still chosen a political career, perhaps his leadership might have centred more on collective strength rather than the “power over” dynamic we see today.

The same could be said for Donald Trump, Netanyahu, Bolsonaro, Taliban leaders and many other politicians whose focus seems to be on authority, dominance, and the preservation of their own narratives of power.

That knowledge alone doesn’t help us, though. We can’t exactly force world leaders to commit to personal growth, trauma healing or meditation — even though, in my opinion, it really should be part of the job description before anyone is handed a nuclear button.

So we have to begin from the bottom up. In the end, we can only heal ourselves — and by doing so, become an inspiration for others. The more we grow, heal, talk about our journeys, write about them and embody them, the more that work ripples outward and influences the wider culture. The shift we’re witnessing today — in trauma awareness, diversity, innovative justice models and social change — would have been unthinkable just a decade or two ago. And when a critical mass of healing is reached, perhaps people will no longer be drawn to divisive, racist or populist leaders who make promises they can never deliver.

When we recognise that outer conflicts mirror unresolved inner conflicts, everything shifts. When individuals heal, they stop projecting fear, anger, shame and trauma into their families, communities — and eventually into politics. This creates the foundation for more peaceful societies. What’s more, healed individuals do not gravitate toward authoritarian reassurance or divisive narratives, which means the political landscape begins to change.

A society that understands trauma invests in prevention, chooses dialogue over punishment, supports mental health, approaches conflict with curiosity rather than reactivity, and designs justice systems around healing. Most importantly, such a society intervenes early: it teaches children empathy, accountability and emotional intelligence. It also examines the root causes of organised crime — Why are people so drawn to drugs? How can we eliminate poverty and other forms of inequality? What is missing from people’s lives that they feel compelled to numb themselves? — rather than simply responding with imprisonment.

These are the conditions required for sustainable world peace, and I am hopeful that with continued growth, healing, and the dedicated efforts of visionary individuals, it can eventually be achieved. Ultimately, peace will not descend from above; it will rise from within us, one healed heart at a time.

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