This document discusses the nature and causes of conflict, and how mediation relates to power dynamics in conflicts. It defines conflict more broadly than just disputes, as a state of tension or disagreement between groups. Conflicts can emerge from deep structural factors like insecurity, deprivation, and identity issues. They can also arise from more overt causes at the goals, information, communication, relationship, and values levels. Mediation of conflicts must consider the power relations and negotiations involved, as issues of power are fundamental to understanding mediation's role in social systems.

1. Conflict

2. Philosophies and values of mediating are based on the various assumptions about and the nature of conflict

3. Conflict used in a broader sense than the term dispute.

4. Conflict refers to State of tension Disagreement between 2 or more people or groups

5. Conflict situations can result in the emergence of a specific dispute

6. Both a conflict situation and a dispute are seldom static phenomena

7. Conflict may be viewed as occurring along three dimensions Cognitive Emotional Behavioural

8. Causes of conflict can be located in deep structural factors Insecurity Deprivation Identity

9. Causes of conflict can also be located at a more overt level Goals/objectives Information/data Communication Relationship/emotional Values/principles

10. Conflict situations arise in a system of power relations and negotiations always involve the exercise of power in dealing with the situations

11. Issues of power are fundamental to an understanding of mediation’s place within social systems