"This research project proposes to investigate how social studies teachers understand the use of violence and non-violence as social and political tools to meet personal of group needs, and to manage the conflicts that may arise.More specifically, it proposes to examine the social discourses communicated through history textbooks, and the critical thinking and discursive processes that teachers display, when reflecting or participating in controversial conversations about the uses of violence and non-violence in the history of their countries, and in their current societies. The study examines too how teachers view the teaching of these topics to youth.The study is situated in the intersection of three scholarship fields: Peace and Conflict studies, peace education, and history education. The research project is conceived as a comparative qualitative study, conducting research in three different countries (Spain, Colombia, United States) that have particular histories and experiences of social and political violence and non-violence, current and historically. The comparative study is supported by collaboration with colleagues in these countries included.Investigating this problem will afford insight into key psychological and cultural elements that sustain violence or non-violence. With this furthered understanding, better educational resources and interventions will be developed."