1. Definition of Conflict
Ozcelik/Sewall
Definition of Conflict
Conflict is a social process when two or more parties perceive a divergence of interest or incompatible goals or values
Subjective side: processes of perception, cognition, communication, emotion
Behavioral interaction between the parties
Multiple levels of analysis (interpersonal, group, intergroup, organizational, international, and global)
February 4,2002

2. Ozcelik/Sewall
Conflict:
Requires at least two parties (individual, group, organization, states,etc.=Actors)
Sources-Economic c.-scarce resources (territory)-real conflict of interest (position and interest)
Value c.-incompatible preferences and principles-perception (needs)
Power c.- each party wants to maximize its influence over the other.
February 4,2002

3. Conflict Rothman, Jay, 1997, p.17 Identity-based Resource-based
Ozcelik/Sewall
Conflict Rothman, Jay, 1997, p.17
Identity-based
Needs and values (frustration over such needs as identity, security& recognition
Intangible (psychology, history, culture, worldview)
Interactive (dialogue about needs)
Resource-based
Resources (competition over material and territorial interests)
Tangible (socioeconomic factors, resource scarcity
Transactive (interest-based bargaining)
February 4,2002

4. A Conflict Structure involves:
Ozcelik/Sewall
A Conflict Structure involves:
Situation: actual or perceived underlying incompatible goals(conflict of interest or relationship)
Attitude: parties’ perceptions and misperceptions of each other- include feeling (emotive), belief (cognitive), and will (conative)
Behavior: cooperation or coercion. Violent conflict behaviors are threats, coercion, destructive attacks.
Conflict is a dynamics process where S, A, and B are constantly changing and influencing each other
February 4,2002

5. Interpersonal conflict
Ozcelik/Sewall
Interpersonal conflict
Destructive or constructive
Communication
Interdepence
Self-esteem
Power dynamics
Cultural dynamics (high and low-context cultures)
Gender identity
Religion
Emotions
Preferences and orientations
February 4,2002

6. Types of goals in Conflict
Ozcelik/Sewall
Types of goals in Conflict
Content-what do we want?
Relational- who are we to each other?
Identity or Face-saving-who am I in this interaction?
Process-what communication process will be used?
February 4,2002

7. International conflict
Ozcelik/Sewall
International conflict
Interstate c.
Intrastate c.- revolution/ideology c.: to change the nature of the state (system- capitalist/socialist, government-dictatorship/democracy, religious-secular/islamic)
identity/secession c:the integrity of the state (the relative status of ethnic groups)
Factional c: the control of the state- the competing interests or power struggles of factions (autonomy, secession, control)
February 4,2002

8. Violence Direct violence: children are murdered
Ozcelik/Sewall
Violence
Direct violence: children are murdered
Structural violence: children die through poverty
Cultural violence: whatever blinds us to this or seek to justify it
Armed conflict- both parties use of force
Violent conflict- physical violence against unarmed civilians
February 4,2002

9. C-Series C. Prevention: Crisis management
Ozcelik/Sewall
C-Series
C. Prevention: Crisis management
C. Settlement: an agreement in an armed c. To put an end violent stage.
C. Management (regulation): limitation, mitigation, containment
C. Resolution: deep-rooted sources of conflict are addressed and resolved.
C. Transformation: To transform unjust relationships, parties, and situation.
February 4,2002