Conflict transformation is to envision and respond to the ebb and flow of social conflict as lifegiving opportunities for creating constructive change processes that reduce. Conflict resolution, conflict transformation, and peacebuilding patrick g. The person centered approach to conflict transformation jere moorman, center for studies of the persontheres an old chinese saying. Evolution of conflict resolution conflict resolution as a defined specialist field has come of age in the post cold war era. Conflict causes social disorder, chaos and confusion. Conflict transformation by peaceful means transcend method, transcend method in conflict mediation across levels, mahatma gandhi as the master of masters. Conflict transformation is more than a set of specific techniques. How does the church handle conflict in its midst v3bbbweb. Some of the major ideas put forwarded by worlds eminent peace philosopher johan galtung are. Conflict analysis definition conflict analysis informs peacebuilding and development work. Conflict transformation is a comprehensive approach that addresses personal, relational, structural, and cultural dimensions of conflict, using the potential for conflict as a catalyst for positive change in all of these areas. Communitybased conflict transformation and peacebuilding. The principles of conflict transformation, by transconflict, specify further in order to help with defining conflict transformation. Not satisfied with a quick solution that may seem to solve the immediate problem, transformation seeks to create a framework to address the content.
D centre for management development, shangisha, lagos, nigeria. Conflict transformation, sometimes called mediation or conflict resolution, is an underrecognized tool in the united states. Conflict transformation is a concept designed to reframe the way in which peacebuilding initiatives are discussed and pursued, particularly in contexts of ethnic conflict. It is well known and used more often outside the united states than within. This is related to the conflict worker through conflict practice iv concepts like empathy, nonviolence and creativity. Primarily conflict resolution but also maybe conflict management and conflict prevention as well. Systemic conflict transformation is based on the recognition that highly escalated intergroup conflicts constitute highly complex systems which can only be modelled to a limited extent, so that all interventions can only draw on limited knowledge. An introduction to conflict transformation this opening chapter presents some key definitions and concepts in conflict transformation in order to situate the methods discussed in the rest of this report within a broad theoretical framework.
Peace and conflict studies is a social science field that identifies and analyzes violent and nonviolent behaviours as well as the structural mechanisms attending conflicts including social conflicts, with a view towards understanding those processes which lead to a more desirable human condition. Definition of conflict transformation in the dictionary. Similarly, the concept of conflict resolution is also open to many interpretations. These are compared and contrasted to determine whether they depend upon identification. Preventing conflict is not the same as avoiding conflict. Conflicts change relationships in predictable ways, altering communication patters and patterns of social organization, altering images of the self and of the other. Required online introduction to conflict analysis, offered free by the u. Conflict transformation is also a prescriptive concept. Ppt conflict transformation powerpoint presentation.
Conflict transformation by peaceful means the transcend. This course introduces you to the concept of conflict transformation and how it differs from conflict resolution, management, and prevention. Settlement, resolution, management, and transformation. With an overview of the literature on the term conflict transformation, as opposed to conflict resolution, the article considers the semantic nuances and operational differences between these two terms. It points to the emotional nature of conflict, by referring to a word like. So conflict transformation suggests a set of lenses through which we view social conflict. The systemic approach to conflict transformation berghof. Muste 1 the last decades of the twentieth century witnessed the emergence of a number of. Alternatively, it can be viewed as a nonviolent process that manages conflict through compromise, or. Nonviolent resistance and conflict transformation in power. Each conflict transformation initiative will, implicitly or explicitly, theory of how it is going to bring about a change in the conflict.
A response to the articles by cordula reimann and hugh miall. Which someone chooses to base their initiative on depends upon their analysis of the conflict. Conflict transformation is the process by which conflicts, such as ethnic conflict, are transformed into peaceful outcomes. Chapteri introduction conflict transformation theory. Constructive conflict transformation seeks to empower actors and support recognition between them. Conflict transformation in practice css, eth zurich. In my estimation, since the introduction of the term conflict transformation in the 1980s by john paul lederach, conflict resolution theorists and practitioners have tried to incorporate the tenets of a transformative approach into the definition of conflict resolution. As a proponent of overlapping definitions, diamond 1994. Introduces six important dimensions of conflict analysis dynamics, actors, causation, structures, issues and optionsstrategies. Development cooperation, mission and diacony conflict transformation. Conflict is introduced by exploring such basic concepts in conflict theory as attitudes, behavior and contradiction. Conflict resolution, conflict transformation, causes of conflict, and conditions for peaceful. Humans create them and its they who can resolve them.
Principles of conflict transformation pdf format principles of conflict transformation word format. Well see how conflict offers opportunities for constructive change, and well explore different tools and methods for engaging conflict constructively. To this direction, it brings up a theoretical debate on conflict resolution and conflict transformation. Participants will learn about mediation skills and how to design programs for conflict transformation and peacebuilding as well as contribute to networks for conflict resolution, reconciliation, and peacebuilding. It has also come face to face with the fundamental new challenges. Nov 23, 2011 a holistic approach that extends beyond the management or resolution of a conflict 6. Whereas conflict transformation involves transforming the relationships that support violence, conflict management approaches seek to merely manage and contain conflict, and conflict resolution approaches seek to move conflict parties away from zerosum positions towards. Consilience of knowledge for sustained positive peace. These commonalities would serve as a basis to integrate reconciliation into the conflict transformation approach. Definition of conflict and the life cycles of a conflict conflict definition of conflict the perception of threat, or actual occurrence of conflict, is necessary for the initiation of conflict prevention or management measures, and hence it is essential to address the concept of conflict before exploring how to. Conflict transformation approaches differ from those of conflict management or conflict resolution. The very structure of parties and relationships may be. Besides presenting methodologies such as systems diagramming, it is also important to demarcate system boun.
However, some of these terminological approaches have distinct implications for the outcome of a conflict. Conflict transformation and social justice international summer school 422 july 2016 location. Conflict transformation is a way of looking as well as seeing. In this article, lederach provides a definition for conflict transformation. Management, resolution and transformation conflict transformation. Definition of conflict and the life cycles of a conflict conflict definition of conflict the perception of threat, or actual occurrence of conflict, is necessary for the initiation of conflict prevention or management measures, and hence it is essential to address the concept of conflict. We have seldom been taught how to be proactive in conflict and to understand that conflict transformation is a deeply spiritual task that demands commitment, discipline, new. A learning paper 5 in 1945 christian aid was born out of the need to respond to the effects of violence and conflict of this time. When you drink water from the welldont forget the people who dug. Peacebuilding involves a full range of approaches, processes, and stages needed for transformation toward more sustainable, peaceful relationships and governance modes and structures. It differs from conflict resolution and conflict management approaches in that it recognises that contemporary conflicts require more than the reframing of positions and the identification of winwin outcomes. Many terms are frequently, and almost interchangeably, used in the field of conflict resolution to describe the activities and processes that bring conflict to an end. Conflict, conflict prevention, conflict management and beyond.
Information and translations of conflict transformation in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. A number of conflict theorists and practitioners, including john paul lederach, advocate the pursuit of conflict transformation, as opposed to conflict resolution or conflict management. It is not the only mechanism, but it is an essential one. This process should be based off reliable data from the relevant actors stakeholders if the analysis is to deduce a realistic picture of the conflict. This process generates transformation at all levels. Conflict transformation by peaceful means the transcend method 2 as violence may enter, basic concepts in violence theory like direct, structural and cultural violence are explored. The concept of conflict conflict refers to some form of friction, disagreement, or discord arising within a group when the beliefs or actions of one or more members of the group are either resisted by or unacceptable to one or more members of another group. Pdf conflict transformation laurent goetschel academia. Preventing conflict means behaving and communicating in a way that averts needless conflicts. Finally, this paper is the scholarly work for understanding the major differences as well as similarities between conflict resolution and conflict transformation.
Achieving conflict transformation oxfam digital repository. Definition and bases of systemic conflict transformation. Conflict transformation suggests that a fundamental way to promote constructive change on all these levels is dialogue. These commentators have argued that peace is defined by the presence of justice and. There is quite a bit of overlap between management, resolution and transformation. The second sec presents a basic framework for how to start designing a conflict transformation process. Conflict transformation is a concept designed to reframe the way in which peacebuilding. Coy given the explosive growth in the field of peace and conflict studies over the past two decades, addressing the triple topics of conflict resolution, conflict transformation, and peacebuilding in a single essay is rather difficult.
Pdf conflict transformation vs conflict resolution. Conflict transformation is different from the other two, lederach asserts, because it reflects a better understanding of the nature of conflict itself. Conflict resolution and conflict transformation practice. Conflict transformation extraordinary conversations. Human beings engage in conflict, aggression, warfare. Nevertheless it is also true that a wide variety of theoretical approaches are in use among different schools of thought and practice in the field. Queens university, elfast overview this conflict transformation and social justice summer school provides students with a broad overview of conflict resolution history, politics and critical awareness of the following themes. Concepts of conflict transformation berghof foundation. Defined in broadest terms, conflict denotes the incompatibility of subject positions diez et al, 2006. Conflict transformation refers to the process of moving from conflicthabituated systems to peace systems. Iii ii i conflict transformation by peaceful means the transcend method 1. Although the definition is relatively short, its various components lend it a degree of complexity. Pdf conflict resolution and conflict transformation. The central thesis is that in order to prevent violence, and.
Nov 05, 2012 in my estimation, since the introduction of the term conflict transformation in the 1980s by john paul lederach, conflict resolution theorists and practitioners have tried to incorporate the tenets of a transformative approach into the definition of conflict resolution. We typically think of dialogue as direct interaction between people or groups. In this sense, conflict transformation is a term that describes a natural occurrence. The irish and british church leaders in the aftermath of world war ii established christian. How does the church handle conflict in its midst, and what challenges does it.
Institute of peace with certificate upon successful completion. Conflict transformation represents an ambitious and demanding task, which is better equipped to contend with the asymmetric, complex and protracted nature of contemporary conflicts than prevailing techniques and approaches. Conflict transformation lenses suggest we look beyond the dishes to see the context of the relationship that is involved, and then look back again at the pile. Dialogue is essential to justice and peace on both an interpersonal and a structural level. Traditionally the emphasis has been on conflict resolution and conflict management methods, which focus on reducing or. Principles of conflict transformation trans conflict has developed the following set of principles which we hope will contribute to the conceptual debate about conflict transformation, whilst also helping guide individuals and organizations alike so that they too can make a positive contribution to the field of conflict. At the very least, the foundations of a theory of conflict transformation have now been laid. Peace and conflict chapteri introduction conflict transformation theory there is no way to peace, peace is the way. Instead of seeing conflict as a problem to be managed and resolved, the process of conflict transformation evokes. On one hand, conflict resolution can be regarded as any process that resolves or ends conflict via methods which can include violence or warfare. To better understand conflict transformation, an explanation of each component is needed. Conflict transformation goes beyond conflict resolution because its goal is quite different. A circular journey with a purpose together in conflict transformation.
One way to manage conflict is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. What is the stateoftheart in conflict transformation theory. Conflict transformation is possible because conflicts are inevitable in our societies. This process is distinguished from the more common term of conflict resolution because of its focus on systems change. Readings and viewings are primarily drawn from practitioners. Traditionally the emphasis has been on conflict resolution and conflict management methods, which focus on reducing or defusing outbreaks. Causes, effects and remedies bernard oladosu omisore, ph. But it was through the two years of practice on the ground in wartorn eastern drc, through over 600 performances in front of more than 500,000 spectators, that the techniques began to become the methodology that is presented in this manual. To me its saying that there is a winwin solution to conflict, but i really have no concrete. Conflict resolution noaa workforce management office. The purpose of this part is to delineate the theoretical approach that this project intends to embrace in dealing with the cyprus conflict. Conflict transformation by peaceful means the transcend method. Civil society, conflict transformation and peace building. Definition of conflicttransformation conflict transformation is a process leading to a transformation in the relationship between parties of a conflict fundamental social and political changes to correct inequities and injustices 7.
The goal of conflict transformation is to create stronger relationship between the parties as a result of the conflict. Using the narrative approach to assessing conflicts, this course offers various models of conflict transformation. This recognizes that the meaning of a conflict depends largely on the context out of. Some in terms of conceptual understanding and purpose, and some overlap in terms of the tools that we use in each of these different schools of thought.
Conflict transformation as a concept emerged from the social, political, and cultural struggles of the later 20th century. A simple definition although the definition is relatively short, its various components lend it a degree of complexity. Transconflict principles of conflict transformation. Conflict analysis tools conflict transformation and. Conflict analysis is the process of examining the data that is collected within and without the confines of a conflict in a bid to understand the extent and forms that the conflict s takes. Muste 1 the last decades of the twentieth century witnessed the emergence of a number of political and intellectual movements led. Conflict transformation initiatives that aim to transform conflicts can take a forms. By using a range of participatory tools and methods, c4d in peacebuilding creates safe spaces for discussing both the causes and consequences of conflict, as well as normal and everyday life.
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