THEORIES OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND UNDERSTANDING OF CONTEMPORARY CONFLICTS
BY: SYED GHULAM RAZA*

Conflict Resolution has been a very significant course of study in the contemporary world, because it helps to understand the conflicts in a very precise manner. The theories of conflict resolutions have assisted this process of understanding, the conflicts, at large extent. There are various theories, which can help to understand the conflicts but nowadays mostly discussed and emphasized theories are as follows;

• Individual Characteristic Theories
• Social Process Theories
• Social Structure Theories

Above mentioned theories of C.R have proved to be very much useful and productive tool to understand the contemporary conflicts in very useful manner. Therefore we should interpret ongoing conflicts in the paradigms of above-mentioned theories to have better understanding of nature of conflicts and alternate means to resolve them.
Nowadays, as we all are well aware of the fact that, the world is surrounded by multifaceted problem/conflicts and International Community is struggling to combat these conflicts and to have a just and fair resolution. If we analyze some of the conflicts of world in the paradigms of above stated theories then we can build a better understanding as far as conflict resolution is concerned.
More than couple of months back, two of the Israeli soldiers were captured by an Islamic Group Hezbollah. Hezbollah termed them as prisoners of war and demanded exchange with Hamas fighter, which were imprisoned by Israeli Army, in Palestine. In response to the capture of two soldiers Israel reacted very aggressively and attacked the Lebanon's civilian territories and almost turned the Capital Beirut and other areas into ashes.

In reply to a question raised by Albert Einstein, Sigmund Freud modestly pointed out that "Violence has always been the final arbiter for human conflicts"
If we interpret Israel's attack, on Lebanon, against Hezbollah by the help of above quoted statement then we can have better understanding of this 34 days long war.
Israel’s bloody response to the capturing of two of its soldiers, was nothing but a strategy to defend and expand its hegemony and supremacy, as mentioned above that violence has always been the final arbiter for conflict. Israel also opt for violence as final arbiter of conflict. Finally we come to know that Human/State always opt for violence as decisive factor and never accept any threat to its supremacy/hegemony. If Israel did not invaded against Hezbollah and started to negotiate then it would have not loose the trust of other Muslim states.
Social Process Theory is also very significant to understand the contemporary conflicts. According to this theory "Conflicts emerge with the conflict/clash between interests of two people or clan of people".

Nowadays, we are having a close sight over Tamil and Sinhalese conflict (Srilankan civil war). This is an ethnic conflict, it has very large history and this conflict has claimed very large number of lives. Tamils constitute almost the entire Hindus population of Srilanka while Sinhalese consider itself to be Buddhist. Both are very different Ethnic clan and their interests reciprocate each other because they their own different norms, values and cultural exercise. This conflict of interests has caused serious turmoil and civil war situation in Srilanka. This conflict can only b managed or resolved if both of these different ethnic clan are given freedom to exercise their religion.
Social Structure Theory like other theories is also of very much significant to understand the contemporary conflicts. As we all are aware of the fact that Pakistan is confronting with various crisis or conflicts and Balochistan Imbroglio is one them, which has, threaten the security of the country. As we all know that Balochistan is rich with natural resources like Gas, Oil, and sharing a large portion with sea. All the resources explored in Balochistan are utilized by almost whole country and many mega projects like Gawadar Port are also being taken place.
"According to Social Structure division in class and disparity causes the turmoil and violence and capital is the main source of the conflict in other words we can say that all the conflicts are economic based".
Lets analyze this idea in this context of Balochistan conflict. Nowadays, the main reason of the conflict between Balochs and Authorities is resource (economic) based. Balochistan's natural resources were exploited at very large extent but the local people were not given right of employment in these projects of exploration. And a recent project of Gawadar Port, which will strengthen the economics of country, has also fueled to this conflict.
From the all above mentioned fact we come to know that Balochistan conflicts is economic in nature and it can only be resolved to give due rights of locals and provide them chance to take part in developing there area.




CONCLUSION
Theories of Conflict resolution have facilitated the process of understanding the conflict in a very precise manner and helped to get a clear picture to have a best possible resolution. The most important benefit of these theories of various philosophers is that it provide us a chance to go into the depth of the conflicts. We live in a world where conflicts often occur, therefore we should enhance the application of these theories to have a peaceful resolutions, consequently harmony in this world.

* Student, M.A (Previous), Second Semester, 2006, Department of International Relations, University of Karachi

All content (C) Department of International Relations, Karachi University

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