Conflict processes...

Conflict resolution and transformation II

Monday October 18 2010

Lecture 7: Conflict Resolution and Transformation II

PS 2A03: Conflict Transformation

Dr Colin Salter, Centre for Peace Studies, McMaster University

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 Outline

• Gandhian linkages • Conflict deformation

• Six approaches • Complexification
• ABC Triangle

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Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The
human spirit is to grow strong by conflict.

William Ellery Channing

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Those who think they can resolve all contradictions,
thereby producing a contradiction-free, surprise-free,
society, are in for the greatest surprises.
Johan Galtung (1996)

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In a conflict there is, somewhere, a contradiction. And
in contradiction there is, somewhere, dynamism.

Johan Galtung (1996)

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...a positive approach to conflict (give the conflict a
positive emphasis, see it as an opportunity to meet an
opponent, as an opportunity to transform society and
as an opportunity to transform the self).
Thomas Weber (2001)

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Because good ends can never grow out of bad means,
the opponent (for Gandhi there may be opponents by
not enemies) is not forced expose him or herself to
loss.
Thomas Weber (2001)

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The antagonist should be separated from the
antagonisms.

Thomas Weber (2001)

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 Six approaches

• Transcendence • Broadening
• Compromise • Integration
• Deepening • Disintegration

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A conflict solution can be defined as a new formation
that is (1) acceptable to all actors, (2) sustainable by the
actors.
Johan Galtung (1996)

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A conflict solution can be defined as a new formation
that is (1) acceptable to all actors, (2) sustainable by the
actors.
Johan Galtung (1996)

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Johan Galtung (2000)

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 ABC Triangle

A less contradictory formation (C) is good, but it has to

be supported by the right attitudes and assumptions
(A); otherwise the prognosis will be that the wrong
behavior (B) will resume and hitch onto whatever
residual or new conflict material (read: contradictions)
may be around. A bad rebirth
Johan Galtung (2000)

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 Conflict deformation

• Goals of conflict workers can and do have significant

implications for transformative processes.

• Can result through focus on one contradiction.

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 Complexification and
Simplification

...make the too complex more simple, but be aware of

the dangers of polarization.
Johan Galtung (2000)

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 Complexification and
Simplification

c=mxn-1
c=m+n (simplified)

m = number of actors
n = number of themes

Johan Galtung (2000)

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 Summary

• Means and ends • Conflict solutions as

new formations
• Antagonist and
antogaonisms • Conflict deformation
• Complexification

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 Citations & further reading

Johan Galtung (1996) Peace by peaceful means: peace and conflict, development and
civilization, Sage Publications, London.

Johan Galtung (2000) Conflict Transformation by Peaceful Means (The Transcend

Method), United Nations Disaster Management Training Program.

Thomas Weber (2001) ‘Gandhian Philosophy, Conflict Resolution Theory and

Practical Approaches to Negotiation’, Journal of Peace Research, vol. 38, no. 4, 2001,
pp. 493–513

Steven York (2000) A Force More Powerful, A force More Powerful Films. http://
www.aforcemorepowerful.org/films/afmp/index.php

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 Image sources
Dave Boldingers Cartoons & Stuff —
http://www.dbaldinger.com/opinion_cartoons/second_page/dear_world.html

James Garvin Ellis. Rodney Powell (standing) talks with other sit-in participants at Walgreens drugstore in Nashville,
Tennessee, Friday March 25, 1960 — http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nashville_sit-ins

Marc Riboud. Jan Rose Kasmir, protest against the Vietnam War outside the Pentagon, Arlington County,Virginia, Saturday,
21 October 21, 1967 — http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Rose_Kasmir

Shaney Komulainen. Canadian soldier Patrick Cloutier and Saskatchewan Native Brad Laroque alias 'Freddy Kruger'
come face to face in a tense standoff at the Kahnesatake reserve in Oka, Quebec, Saturday September 1, 1990 —
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oka_Crisis

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