August 27th marks the anniversary of the Kellogg-Briand Pact, a treaty that essentially outlawed war.  The pact had two clauses: the first outlawed war as an instrument of national policy and the second called upon signatories to settle their disputes by peaceful means.

One hundred years ago the world celebrated peace as a universal principle.  The first World War had just ended and nations mourning their dead collectively called for an end to all wars.  Armistice Day was born and was designated as “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated.”

The Kellogg-Briand Pact remains an active treaty that reminds us what is possible if the international community unifies to demand an end to war.