Hoorcollege 1: introduction

Question 1

Conflict

Answer 1

A contradiction between two or more parties who have contradictive goals. Can escalate or be an opportunity for improvement.

Question 2

ABC conflict triangle of Galtung

Answer 2

Attitudes, behaviour and contradictions. Attitude = parties’ (mis)perceptions of each other/themselves
Behaviour = how the parties act
Contradiction = what the parties dispute over

Question 3

Conflict transformation

Answer 3

More ambitious/radical. Idea that conflict can be necessary sometimes (winners are emancipating, used to be ignored). Using conflict to transform society.

Question 4

Different stages of conflict

Answer 4

1. Difference
2. Contradiction
3. Polarisation (stereotypes, negative perceptions, less dialogue)
4. Violence
5. War
6. Ceasefire
7. Agreement
8. Normalisation (back to normal state, but hostile images still exist)
9. Reconciliation (relationships and perceptions)

Question 5

Conflict resolution theory

Answer 5

Try to prevent direct violence. Rather do preventative work by for example constructing institutions that strive for conflict resolution

Question 6

3 critiques on conflict resolution theory

Answer 6

Traditional realism, traditional marxism and non-western critique

Question 7

Critique of traditional realism on conflict resolution theory

Answer 7

International politics is seen as a battle between rivaling and ununifiable groups where power and coercion are the biggest values. Conflicts are not resolvable through soft power, but through violence.

Question 8

Critique of traditional marxism on conflict resolution theory

Answer 8

The liberal conflict resolution theory is naive and theoretically uncritical, as it looks for reconciliation where it is not necessary and it doesn’t pick a side in unfair and asymmetrical conflicts. Sees violence as unavoidable when combatting conflict.

Question 9

The Non-Western critique on conflict resolution theory

Answer 9

The western assumptions about conflict resolution are not universally applicable.

Question 10

According to the traditional conflict resolution model, conflict resolution has to contain the following elements:

Answer 10

1. It has to be multilevel
2. It has to be multidisciplinary
3. It has to be multicultural
4. It has to be both analytical and normative
5. It has to be both theoretical and practical

Question 11

Consensual conflicts

Answer 11

Both parties want the same

Question 12

Non-consensual conflicts

Answer 12

Both parties want something different

Question 13

The 3 things that have to be present in conflict according to Galtung’s conflict triangle:

Answer 13

Contradiction (the thing the actors dispute over),
Attitude (the way someone feels/a perception/a misperception someone has before the conflict) and Behavior (the way someone acts during the conflict; People are continuously influenced by each other).

Question 14

Conflict transformation

Answer 14

A process of engaging with and transforming the relationships, interests, discourses and, if necessary, the very constitution of society that supports the continuation of violent conflict. Transformation goes to a deeper level and gives the actors space to grow after the conflict

Question 15

Direct violence

Answer 15

Is linked to behaviors; actually committing an act of physical violence. Is ended by changing conflict behaviour.

Question 16

Structural violence

Answer 16

Is linked to contradiction; indirect violence, structurally unjust social discrimination, structurally not helping a specific group in a society. Ended by removing structural contradictions and injustices.

Question 17

Cultural violence

Answer 17

Is linked to attitude; turning a blind eye to violence, justifying violence, coming up with reasons why violence wouldn’t be as bad. Ended by changing attitude.

Question 18

Negative peace

Answer 18

The absence of violence or fear of violence.

Question 19

Positive peace

Answer 19

The attitudes, institutions & structures that create and sustain peaceful societies. Removal of injustice, however, injustice is perceived differently by different actors.

Question 20

Different levels of leaders and how to deal with conflicts at the levels:

Answer 20

Level 1: top leadership (leaders with high visibility) –> focus on high-level negotiations, emphasize cease-fire, led by highly visible single mediator.

Level 2: middle-range leadership (leaders respected in sectors) –> problem-solving workshops, training in conflict resolution, peace commissions and insider-partial teams.

Level 3: grassroots leadership (local leaders) –> local peace missions, grassroots training, prejudice reduction and psychosocial work in postwar trauma.

Question 21

Het conflictboommodel

Answer 21

De wortels zijn de problematiek, de stam het voornaamste probleem en de takken zijn de effecten van het probleem.

Question 22

Hoe moet je volgens klassieke modellen met conflicten omgaan?

Answer 22

Hoge prioriteit geven aan het verdedigen van de eigen belangen. Wanneer de belangen van het ene land botsen met de andere, dan gaat men over tot het negeren of het vernietigen van de ander.

Question 23

5 ways of approaching a conflict

Answer 23

Contending (stand up for own interests)

Yielding (yield for others’ interests)

Withdrawal (both parties don’t stand up for their interests)

Compromising (both parties want to stand up for their interests and find a compromise)

Problemsolving (maximalisation of own and others’ interests)

Question 24

Soft power

Answer 24

The ability to cooperate.

Question 25

Hard power

Answer 25

The power to coerce.

Question 26

Threat power

Answer 26

Do what I want or I will do what you don’t want. A form of hard power.

Question 27

Exchange power

Answer 27

Bargaining and compromising (do what I want and I’ll do what you want).

Question 28

Integrative power

Answer 28

Persuasion and transformative long-term problem-solving (together we can do something that’s better for both of us).

Question 29

Power

Answer 29

The ability to get what you want done.

Question 30

2 types of negotiations

Answer 30

Track 1 negotiation: negotiations by government officials who seek or force an outcome (‘mediators with muscle’)
Track 2 negotiation: unofficial mediators who work with the parties or their constituencies to facilitate agreements.