MCOM 203: Media & Peace Building

Transcription

1 Conflict Analysis Conflict analysis is the process of examining and understanding the reality of a con- flict from various perspectives. It describes the systematic study of the profile, causes, actors, and dynamics of conflict with the aim of gaining a thorough under- standing of what is going on. In other words, it elicits the views of different groups and places them into a broad analytical framework. The various aspects of a conflict that are mentioned below relate to the three different sides of a conflict and have to be looked into from these perspectives: Person Process Problem Conflict analysis can be carried out at various levels: family, group, organization, community, district, regional, national, between states or even global. It is crucial to identify the appropriate focus for the analysis as the issues and dynamics at the various levels differ, even though they may influence each other. For example, the aspects analysed on community level may be different from the national level although they have an impact on each other. Conflict analysis provides the foundation to under- stand the conflict history, the interaction between the actors, the intervention and the context. It is thus a central component of conflict transformation as it forms the basis on which strategies can be developed and actions planned Aspects of Conflicts A conflict has different aspects. In order to understand what is going on the vari- ous aspects have to be identified, their relation with each other must be examined, and how the different aspects influence one another analysed. Some of the most important aspects are: Compiled By: S. M. Saqib Page 1

2 Actors who are involved in the conflict (directly or indirectly). It also means their relationships to one another and their power to change the situation. Issues refer to what the parties claim the conflict is about (topics, contested goods ). They are specific and concrete. Very often problems based on facts are less important than relationship problems, though conflicts are usually framed in factual terms. Causes of the conflict refer to the visible and invisible reasons, the factors contributing to the conflict be it structural or those factors that triggered the conflict. Context, circumstances, history of the conflict means the environment in which the conflict emerged, the environment that is influencing the way the conflict develops, the way the conflict has changed over time. Dynamics of the conflict involves the mechanisms of escalation and de escalation, the occurrence of violence, influences from in and outside. It also includes, if there have been attempts to change the conflict, what was constructive and what caused escalation. Communication patterns relate to the ways and means of communica- tion among the different actors. This refers to both actively involved and passively influencing actors. Consequences and future perspectives refer to the obvious short term and the possible long term effects of the conflict. Different Tools for Conflict Analysis This chapter covers the description of seven different tools for analysing conflicts. Which of the tools is most useful depends on various aspects. The criteria may include, for instance, the: type of conflict, level in which the conflict takes place, stage a conflict is at, expected results or specific issues of a conflict. Therefore, included in descriptions of the tool and how to use it, there is a brief note about applicability. If different issues (dimensions) in a conflict need to be analysed, it might be advisable to use several tools for the specific issues. Conflict Mapping a visual technique for showing specific aspects and their relationships Compiled By: S. M. Saqib Page 2

3 What can be mapped? actors (placing the parties in relation to the problem and each other) situation (and changes due to intervention, time ) issues (or needs, interests, fears and positions) power (and alignment of parties) Be aware that you have to develop an individual map for each issue, for instance: one map for the actors, one for the situation in which the conflict is taking place (choose a particular moment in a specific situation), one for the needs of the parties, etc. understand the situation better see the relationship between parties more clearly clarify where power lies check the balance of one s own activity and contact identify openings for intervention or action evaluate what has been done already provide insight into the nature of a conflict. Often the issues underlying the observed relationships can be identified through visualizing the rela- tions. How to conduct it? Decide what you want to map, when and from what viewpoint. Developing several maps of the same situation from different viewpoints can be helpful. When to use it? early in a conflict process, later in a conflict process to identify possible entry points for action/ intervention or to help shape the process of strategy building. Compiled By: S. M. Saqib Page 3

4 Onion The conflict onion is a way of analyzing the different conflict parties positions, interests and needs. It is used for an analysis on the premise that conflicts have different layers like an onion: POSITIONS INTERESTS what we want to achieve from a p say we want really want NEEDS what we require to be satisfied, needs are at the core and the most important issue must have Be aware that you have to produce one separate onion for each party involved! move beyond the positions and understand each party s interests and needs, find common ground (improve communication and trust) between groups, this can become the basis for further discussions, clarify needs, interests and positions in situations where parties are already in negotiation. Compiled By: S. M. Saqib Page 4

5 When to use it? As part of an analysis to understand the dynamics of a conflict situation. In preparation to facilitate dialogue between the opposing groups. As part of a mediation or negotiation process. ABC triangle The ABC triangle is a tool to analyse the three major components: The context or situation, the behaviourof those involved and their attitudes. The three corners of a diagram represent these three factors. The arrows leading from one to the other signify that the individual factors influence each other. identify the three factors for each party, analyse how the factors influence each other, relate the factors to needs and fears of each party, identify a starting point for intervention (by e.g. identifying the energy that is used to attack each other while maybe there are similarities of needs and fears), help everyone involved to see that all the different issues are part of the same problem. When to use it? early in a process to gain insight later in a process to identify intervention possibilities to reveal how a change of one aspect might affect another one Compiled By: S. M. Saqib Page 5

6 How do you create a triangle? Produce one separate triangle for each major party involved in the conflict! Identify and list the key issues relating to attitude, behaviour and context from the viewpoint of each party. Indicate the most important needs (or fears) inside the middle of each triangle. Compare the triangles of the different parties, note similarities and differences between the perceptions of the parties. Conflict Tree A graphic tool using the image of a tree to identify and sort key issues in a conflict. The conflict tree offers a method for a team, organization or group to identify the issues that each of them sees as important in a specific situation: causes (roots), core problem (trunk), effects (branches). Compiled By: S. M. Saqib Page 6

7 stimulate discussions about causes and effects of conflicts, help groups to achieve consensus on the core problem, assist groups in taking decisions about priorities for addressing issues, relate causes and effects of a conflict to each other. Timeline The time line is a graphic that shows events plotted against time and presents events in chronological order from different perspectives. show different views, experiences and perceptions of the conflict history, understand the various perceptions of the people involved (the different parties develop the timeline together), identify which events are most important to each side discussing this together might develop richer understanding of the shared situation and history. Compiled By: S. M. Saqib Page 7