Coexistence implies a simultaneous existence of two or more elements.
In order to know the meaning of the term coexistence , it is necessary to discover its etymological origin. In this case, we can establish that it is a word with Latin roots. Specifically, it comes from the Latin verb that is formed from the sum of the following components:
-The prefix “co-”, which means “all” or “together”.
-The element “ex”, which is used to indicate “outwards”.
-The verb “sistere”, which is synonymous with “taking a position”.
What is coexistence
Coexistence is the situation that occurs when one subject or thing exists at the same time as another. Coexisting, in other words, implies simultaneous existence .
For example: “The coach has the obligation to ensure that the coexistence of both players on the team does not generate problems” , “The coexistence of people from different cultures in the same neighborhood is always a challenge” , “The government will analyze whether it is convenient allow the coexistence of both technologies or whether one of them should be eliminated."
Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev proposed the concept of peaceful coexistence.
The concept in international relations
The idea of peaceful coexistence is used in the field of international relations to refer to the rejection of violence as a mechanism for resolving a conflict between two countries or regions. The concept was coined by the communist leader Nikita Khrushchev with the intention of alluding to the acceptance by the Soviets of the existence of capitalist powers such as the United States .
The origin of this concept is found in 1955 when the aforementioned Khrushchev proceeded to “de-Stalinize” the USSR , with the clear objective of being able to achieve economic growth for all Soviet people, promoting the modernization of the existing infrastructure in the country. and even being able to get a little closer to the way of life that existed in the West.
Principles of peaceful coexistence
The principle of peaceful coexistence must be applied when two peoples with different characteristics (ethnic, religious, etc.) must coexist in the same territory. This position leads both to rule out the use of weapons to impose themselves: on the contrary, they must coexist in peace and resolve their conflicts through dialogue and consensus.
Within the historical scope we can highlight the existence of what was called the “Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence”. This is a group of standards that were presented in the 1950s, specifically in 1954, by the former Chinese leader Zhou Enlai. With these, what was intended was to establish or regulate international relations.
Specifically, those five principles were the following:
-Mutual non-aggression.
-Peaceful coexistence.
-Mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
-Equality and mutual benefits.
-Non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.
Acceptance of the other
At a social level, coexistence requires accepting the existence of the other . Those who coexist have the obligation to abide by certain shared rules that allow the organization of society and the control of violence.
To resolve conflicts, in this framework, some mediating organization is resorted to, the functioning of which is institutionalized.