Duelling was once regarded as an entirely appropriate way for two gentlemen to resolve a dispute.

Today, a gentleman challenging another to a duel would be regarded as peculiar. Duels have become obsolete in the civilized world.

Could war also become an outdated method of conflict resolution -- particularly as we enter an era of intensified global conflict over dwindling resources?

This compelling question lies behind an international grassroots movement that got a boost last week when NDP MP Bill Siksay and Liberal MP Jim Karygiannis introduced a private member's bill in Parliament calling for the creation of a federal Department of Peace, with a seat at the cabinet table.