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International Relations-PSC 201

LESS0N 41

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

What is the importance of Conflict Resolution in IR?

International conflict resolution is an interdisciplinary field of study that allows students and practitioners to

examine and formulate effective approaches to deadly conflict.

Conflict Resolution is linked to development, human rights, security policy and social psychology. Conflict

resolution requires understanding of root causes, conflict dynamics, and seizing opportunities for conflict

transformation.

Issues concerning modern conflicts

Modern conflicts often involve intrastate rather than the more traditional interstate struggles, presenting

new challenges to policymakers and peacemakers alike. The intended result of conflict resolution is a

reduction of despair, an enrichment of alternatives, and the empowerment of all dimensions conducive to

fair, sustainable, lasting and satisfactory agreements.

Some basic steps for resolving conflicts

1. The win/win approach

Identify attitude shifts to respect all parties' needs

2. Creative response

Transform problems into creative opportunities

3. Empathy

Develop communication tools to build rapport. Use listening to clarify understanding

4. Appropriate assertiveness

Apply strategies to attack the problem not the person

5. Co-operative power

Eliminate "power over" to build "power with" others

6. Managing emotions

Express fear, anger, hurt and frustration wisely to effect change

7. Willingness to Resolve

Name personal issues that cloud the picture

8. Mapping the conflict

Define the issues needed to chart common needs and concerns.

9. Development of options

Design creative solutions together

10. Introduction to negotiation

Plan and apply effective strategies to reach agreement

11. Introduction to mediation

Help conflicting parties to move towards solutions

12. Broadening perspectives

Evaluate the problem in its broader context

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International Relations-PSC 201

Relevant Vocabulary

Dimensions various angles or factors

Empowerment a process leading to increased ability

Conducive something which proves to promote, support or encourage

Transformation - change

Dynamics factors behind a phenomenon

Resolution to resolve or solve a problem

Practitioners  those involved in the practice of

Intrastate within a state

Suggested Readings

Students are advised to read the following chapters to develop a better understanding of the various

principals highlighted in this hand-out:

Chapter 17 in `"A Study of International Relations" by Dr. Sultan Khan

Internet Resources

In addition to reading from the textbook, please visit the following web-pages for this lecture, which

provide useful and interesting information:

Gateway on International Conflict Resolution