posted 11-18-98 09:30 PM ET
Basically, my thoughts would be that if someone attacked me unprovokes, and I were playing the PKs, I'd basically destroy (or force them out of my territory) their attacking forces, then ask them for peace. If they refused, and continued to attack, then I'd "pacify" them, until they did agree to peace. By that I mean use whatever force was necessary.If they were then amenable, I'd cede them some of their land (cities) back, if not all. Or if this was a repeated transgression, I'd continue to occupy them, as happened with Germany after WWII.
Now, I don't believe that that makes us warmakers, or warmongers (for that matter). Sometimes the best form of defence is offense. Personally, I would see that as a last resort though, after all else had failed.
This is all of course realising that this is a game, and does not of course reflect my ideas on the real world. 
And to answer your question: yes, war and peace are opposites. But if left with no other alternative, one must take that path which you least would wish.
And to further answer it, our basic tenant is not necessarily peace. It is the adherance to the UN mission statement (wrong term, but I can't think of it), and the free sharing of all knowledge. Look at the UN today. Sometimes as a last resort, they authorise military strikes...
Brother Greg.