IGNOU BOOK | Conflict Resolution and Peace Building | ENGLISH MEDIUM | BPSE-146

Product Overview & Details

Conflict Resolution and Peace Building

Conflict Resolution and Peace Building is an important area of Political Science and International Relations that deals with the prevention, management, resolution and transformation of conflicts and the creation of conditions for lasting peace.

1. Meaning of Conflict

A conflict occurs when individuals, groups or states have incompatible interests, goals, values or demands. Conflict may arise because of:

• Political differences
• Economic inequality
• Religious or ethnic tensions
• Competition over resources
• Territorial disputes
• Historical grievances
• Discrimination and social injustice

Conflict may be violent or non-violent, and it can occur at the individual, community, national or international level.

2. Meaning of Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution refers to efforts to address the underlying causes of conflict and find mutually acceptable solutions.

It goes beyond simply stopping violence. It seeks to:

• Address the root causes of conflict.
• Promote dialogue between opposing parties.
• Build trust.
• Find mutually acceptable agreements.
• Protect the rights and interests of affected communities.
• Create mechanisms to prevent the conflict from recurring.

3. Conflict Management and Conflict Resolution

These concepts are related but different.

Conflict management aims to control or reduce the harmful effects of conflict, particularly violence.