ABSTRACT

Linkages and Gaps in Conflict Resolution Research
Rabia Akhtar

In order to analyze, understand and explore the linkages and gaps in Conflict Resolution research, it is important to re-state a very basic question, what is Conflict Resolution (CR)? Do we always look for ‘win-win situations’; is it defined by ‘mutual cooperation’; is it ‘needs based’ or is it ‘interest based’? This paper attempts to provide an overview of the discipline of Conflict Resolution in a manner to identify the research that has undergone in explaining the nature of conflict, the approaches to conflict resolution and conflict management. This study also explores the changing nature of conflict with respect to South Asian region in particular. South Asia has its own set of exceptional variables for peace and conflict that demands a unique resolution process instead of a more generalized one.

Over a period of years, the belief in ‘human goodness’ has remained an essential component of any CR attempt. It is this very belief that drives CR researchers to find the causes of violence, causes of terrorism or broadly the causes of conflict because we refuse to believe at some level that conflict resides within and that man can innately be capable of violence. CR research has drawn its rich literature from almost all basic disciplines. It has significantly been colored by sociologists and psychologists like George Simmel, Gestalt, Galtung or Kurt Lewin (to name a few); analyzed through the lens of game theory drawing from the essentials of mathematical and economical reasoning; and also through power-politics theoretical perspectives coupled with reasoning borrowed from the discipline of international law.

The questions however that this study asks are very simple. Are we any wiser in our understanding of conflict, its causes, its manifestations and its resolution? Is there a gap in our understanding of the concepts and variables involved in conducting CR research when we borrow theories developed in different cultural settings and contexts? Is there a South Asian CR framework unique to its context independent of western theoretical influences?

The 21st century is marred with conflicts. The developing world and regions in conflict are increasingly becoming intolerant societies. Although the CR research is rich in normative theoretical perspectives yet conflicts remain unresolved without sustainable resolutions. There is a need to go back to the basics again to understand the ‘security and identity’ debate and draw new understanding about the culture of violence and conflict in our region and world at large.

 

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