Conflict assessment is the first stage in the process of conflict management and resolution.

Participants
(either disputants, third parties, or both) analyze the conflict including background, participants, issues,
dynamics, and possible solutions. Then participants decide on a plan of action.

Assessment clarifies who the stakeholders are, each stakeholder's interests and needs, as well as the
nature of the past and current conflict dynamics. Once they understand these elements, participants
can decide whether there is a possibility to manage or resolve the conflict and which resolution process
is most likely to succeed. Participants can then design a work plan, with or without a third party
intervenor.

Benefits of conflict assessment include:

It offers a reflective tool which clarifies issues, participants' interests, needs, and values and reveals
those of other stakeholders

It builds a shared body of information and knowledge

It reframes relationships

It elicits stakeholder participation

It helps participants decide which type of intervention likely to succeed, if any

It helps participants design a work plan, should intervention be initiated

Examples: