Conflict Theories by Abid Zafar

1. Conflict Theories
Lecture#2
Abid Zafar

2. What is Conflict?
• Conflict is a relationship between two or more parties (individuals or groups) who
have, or think they have, incompatible goals, needs and interests

3. What do we mean by peace?
• Peace= non-violence + creativity (PJ)
• Peace= victory + ceasefire (WJ)

4. Conflict Theories & Terminologies
• The term ‘Conflict Analysis’ and ‘Peace Research’ cover a multitude of theories
and approaches- different explanations for conflict, different practical tools to use
in responding to conflict and different ways of overcoming conflict
1. Explanations for Conflict
2. Responding to Conflict
3. Overcoming Conflict

5. 1- Explanations for Conflict
I. Communications Theory
• Community Relations Theory
• Intercultural Miscommunication Theory
II. Human Needs Theory
III. Negotiations Theory
IV. Identity Theory
V. Abuse of Power or Denial of Human

6. 2- Responding to Conflict
I. Conflict Management
II. Conflict Prevention
III. Bridge-Building
IV. Mediation
V. Peace Agreement
VI. Peace Keeping
VII.Reconciliations Reconstruction

7. 3- Overcoming Conflict
I. Conflict Resolution
II. Conflict Settlement
III. Peace-building
IV. Conflict Transformation

8. 1- Explanations for Conflict
I. Communications Theory
• Community Relations Theory
This theory assumes the conflict is caused by mistrust between the parties.
Responses therefore include building tolerance, improving communications and an
acceptance of diversity
• Intercultural Miscommunication Theory
This theory assumes the conflict is caused by incompatibility between different
styles and systems of cultural communications. Work focuses on understanding ‘the
other’, by breaking down stereotypes, exploring each other’s culture, and improving
communication.

9. Cont…
II. Human Needs Theory
This theory assumes that the conflict is based on unmet human needs (physical,
social and psychological). It helps parties on all sides to identify and meet these
needs
III. Negotiation Theory
This theory assumes that the conflict is about incompatible demands. It attempt to
uncover the deeper goals of the parties and bring them to an agreement that offers
mutual gain for all

10. Cont…
IV. Abuse of Power or Denial of Human Rights
This theory is recognized by the Universal Declaration of Human Right adopted by
the UN General Assembly in 1948 as a minimum guarantee for each human being
on the planet. The declaration is an accepted global standard for justice, and a cause
of conflict when violated; the intended response being to restore and protect human
rights

11. 2- Responding to Conflict
• Conflict Management
Strategies to limit further violence when resolution of a conflict is assumed to be
idealistic/impractical/unrealistic
• Conflict Prevention
Strictly speaking, a non-sequitur, but is widely used by policy-makers, especially in
western governments. It really means ways of preventing a conflict from turning to
violence
• Bridge-building
To build trust and communication between different parties in a conflict

12. Cont…
• Mediation
It promotes dialogue between parties in a conflict. It doesn’t have to be face to face:
a mediator can meet with groups/parties separately- or the parties can have one
mediator each
• Peace Agreement
To sign peace agreement between political leaders
• Peace Keeping
An enforcement action, usually by troops either sent or mandated by the UN to
maintain physical security after an agreement has been signed

13. Cont….
• Reconciliation
Restoration of workable relations after violence
• Reconstruction
Rebuilding of a society’s systems and structures, both physical and institutional

14. 3. Overcoming Conflict
• Conflict Resolution
A mediated dialogue process to deal with the causes of a conflict and build
constructive relations between opposing parties
• Conflict Settlement
To sign a peace agreement between political leaders. It is often seen, not as the ‘final
act’, but as an important stage in the process

15. Cont…
• Peace-building
A complex and extensive process of helping a society recover from collective
violence
• Conflict Transformation
It embraces all the processes required to bring about peace with justice, in both the
short and long term. It transforms underlying issues in to sources of unity, not
division