10.2.1 - Definition
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Understanding Conflict
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Today, we are going to understand what 'conflict' means. Conflict is defined as a state of discord caused by actual or perceived opposition of needs, values, and interests. Can anyone think of a situation where people might conflict?
What if two friends want to choose different movies to watch together?
Or a disagreement in a team project about how to divide the work?
Exactly! Conflicts can happen in everyday situations as well as on larger scales, like between countries. It's crucial to understand that these can be either violent or non-violent.
Could you give an example of a violent conflict?
Sure! Consider the ethnic conflict in Rwanda, where historical tensions led to genocide. This emphasizes the importance of resolving conflicts before they escalate.
How can we resolve conflicts before they escalate?
We will discuss various resolution strategies later. Remember, conflicts can occur at different levels, including interpersonal, national, and international.
Types of Conflicts
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Now, let’s talk about the different types of conflicts. There are three main types: ethnic, religious, and territorial. Let’s start with ethnic conflicts. What do you think contributes to these types of tensions?
Maybe competition for resources or power?
And historical grievances, like old disputes from the past?
Correct! Ethnic conflicts often arise from factors like historical grievances and political exclusion. A famous example is the Rwanda genocide between Hutus and Tutsis. Now, what about religious conflicts?
Religious intolerance could lead to these conflicts, right?
Yes! Religious conflicts, like the Sunni-Shia tensions in the Middle East, often stem from intolerance and historical animosities. Finally, let’s move on to territorial conflicts. Who can give me an example?
The Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan!
Great example! Territorial conflicts often arise from broken colonial borders and deep-rooted nationalistic claims.
Root Causes of Conflicts
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We've covered types of conflict; now let's focus on their root causes. Why do you think historical grievances are such a significant factor in conflicts?
Because people remember past injustices and they can cause anger or resentment.
And they can influence how groups view each other moving forward.
Exactly! Historical grievances can perpetuate cycles of violence. Additionally, political exclusion is vital—marginalized groups may resort to conflict to claim their rights. How does ethnic nationalism contribute?
It makes people feel they have to fight for their group’s identity and status.
Well said! Ethnic nationalism can lead to intense competition for resources. To summarize, we've discussed how historical, political, and ideological factors drive conflicts, laying the groundwork for understanding conflict resolution.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
In this section, conflict is defined as a state of discord arising from perceived opposition in needs, values, and interests. It discusses various types of conflicts, including ethnic, religious, and territorial, providing examples and root causes for each, highlighting the complex nature and impact of such conflicts in global relations.
Detailed
Definition of Conflict
Conflict is characterized as a state of discord that can arise from actual or perceived opposition related to needs, values, and interests. Notably, conflict can manifest in violent or non-violent forms and can occur on interpersonal, national, or international levels.
Types of Conflicts
- Ethnic Conflicts: These conflicts emerge when distinct ethnic groups engage in competition over power, resources, or recognition. Examples include the Rwandan genocide of 1994 and the Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s. The primary causes include historical grievances, ethnic nationalism, and political exclusion.
- Religious Conflicts: These arise from clashes between different religious groups over beliefs, practices, or control over sacred spaces. Prominent examples are the tensions between Sunni and Shia groups in the Middle East and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Causes often include religious intolerance, historical animosities, and the use of religion for political ends.
- Territorial Conflicts: These disputes are centered around land ownership and control. Examples include the Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan and disputes in the South China Sea. The root causes of these conflicts primarily include colonial borders, historical claims, and nationalistic aspirations.
This section aims to provide a foundational understanding of the various conflicts, setting the stage for deeper explorations in conflict resolution strategies in subsequent sections.
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Understanding Conflict
Chapter 1 of 2
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Chapter Content
Conflict is a state of discord caused by the actual or perceived opposition of needs, values, and interests.
Detailed Explanation
Conflict arises when two or more parties have differing needs, values, or interests. This means that if one person's beliefs or desires clash with another's, it can lead to tension or discord. The conflict can be about tangible issues such as resources or power, or abstract aspects like values and beliefs.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a situation where two friends want to watch different movies. One friend prefers action films while the other prefers romantic comedies. Their differing preferences cause a conflict as neither can enjoy the movie they want. Just like in friendship, conflicts can occur in larger scales, such as countries or communities where differing needs lead to disputes.
Types of Conflict
Chapter 2 of 2
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Chapter Content
It can be violent or non-violent and occurs at multiple levels: interpersonal, national, and international.
Detailed Explanation
Conflicts can manifest in different ways, either through physical violence or through peaceful disagreements. They can occur between individuals (interpersonal), within a single country (national), or between multiple countries (international). Understanding the level at which conflict occurs helps in devising appropriate strategies for resolution.
Examples & Analogies
Consider how arguments can happen in three settings: in your home (interpersonal), in your school or city (national), or between different countries over territory or trade (international). Similar to how a minor disagreement at home can escalate if not addressed, larger conflicts can develop from small, unresolved issues.
Key Concepts
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Conflict: A state of discord caused by opposing needs, values, and interests.
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Ethnic Conflicts: Competition for power among distinct ethnic groups.
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Religious Conflicts: Clashes over beliefs and sacred spaces.
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Territorial Conflicts: Disputes over land ownership or control.
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Historical Grievances: Long-standing resentments from past events.
Examples & Applications
The 1994 Rwandan genocide: an ethnic conflict between Hutus and Tutsis.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict: a religious conflict based on differing beliefs and territorial claims.
Kashmir conflict: a territorial dispute between India and Pakistan resulting from historical claims.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
Conflict's a fight, values collide, / Control and needs are at the side.
Stories
Once in a village, two friends argued over who would keep the last apple. Their disagreement led to a bigger argument as their families took sides, just like how ethnic groups clash over power and resources.
Memory Tools
R.E.T. for remembering conflict types: R is Religious, E is Ethnic, T is Territorial.
Acronyms
C.V.I. for understanding conflict causes
is Competition
is Values
is Interests.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Conflict
A state of discord caused by actual or perceived opposition of needs, values, and interests.
- Ethnic Conflicts
Conflicts arising from competition among distinct ethnic groups for power, resources, or recognition.
- Religious Conflicts
Clashes between different religious groups over beliefs, practices, or control of sacred spaces.
- Territorial Conflicts
Disputes over land ownership or control, often leading to military confrontations.
- Historical Grievances
Long-standing resentments that arise from past injustices or events.
- Political Exclusion
The marginalization of groups from participation in political processes.
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