whole system approach

Social change processes are predicated on a holistic understanding of the dynamic relational patterns that give rise to conflict. It is through a whole system approach that the full scope of interdependent relationships can be grasped and the simplicity on the far side of complexity can be discerned. For this, two habits are key: stillness and visiblizing. While not always referencing the technical language, John Paul has long embraced a systems approach. His understanding and integration of this approach for peacebuilding has many sources, notably spiders, entomologists, and poetry, with the language and frameworks of systems theory a more recent feature in his reflections. The content in this section features iterations of the application of a whole system approach in John Paul's reflections and practice across a range of contexts.