Conflicts are common among nations, and they occur when one country perceives that the other will cause them harm or has already caused them damage. This usually happens after two nations have interacted, and especially if their goals or needs have conflicted sometimes, causing irreconcilable differences. The dilemma arises when neither of the sides is willing to understand the perspective of the other side’s ideas, instead only being determined to win. Various factors lead to conflict between countries; the most common factors are competition, perceived injustice, poor communication, and misinterpretation of the other’s behavior (Myers & Twenge 2013). Conflict resolution is of the essence as it enhances peaceful co-existence between such countries. Also, the remedy to some conflicts requires simple tactics and the willingness of the involved parties to make peace. There are various techniques that have been identified by researchers and are used in the peace-making process. Moreover, social psychologists and others working in peace psychology have developed different methods in efforts to reduce destructive conflicts. Peacemaking has four strategies aimed at achieving harmony from the anger and hostility of the nations involved. The plans include; contact, cooperation, communication and conciliation (Cross & Rosenthal 2009). The process leaves both opposing sides in winning positions, although there are compromises made by each country. However, some situations require mediation between the two sides as the simple tactics do not always work. In such mediations, both countries are expected to surrender to some of their claims in order to reach an agreement. Peaceful relations between countries enables the prosperity of the two parties and promotes the harmonious existence of its leaders and of all its citizens. It is of great importance to an integrationist approach in conflict resolution to ensure that there is the establishment of a win-win situation between the two conflicting parties and promote friendship for political stability, economic growth and peaceful existence among all nations. Many researchers have been involved in the topic of conflict resolution and peacemaking to establish effective methods to be used in dealing with such situation to avoid war, destruction of nations and enhance harmonious existence globally.
International conflict occurs due to the changes that have happened in the political and economic world. Also, nations that have closely overlapping visions for the utilization of natural resources amongst other features often have conflicting interests. This had led to violent confrontations between countries, each acting through their armed forces and mostly outside their borders. When such conflicts occur, they become a threat to international peace and security among all nations even to those countries which are not directly involved in the conflict (Gent & Shannon 2011). There are strategies that help in conflict resolution and are relevant to the current world systems. These policies are created because conflict occurrence is inevitable in the dynamics of life; therefore putting in place measures to help resolve and mitigate the conflicts efficiently is of great importance. It is through such measures that we can prevent and reduce the violence that often results from conflicts. Conflict resolutions should be based on practices that have no negative implications on either of the parties involved. This can be achieved through critical analysis of historical experience and other methods that have been successfully applied in the past to solve conflicts. There were conflict management practices during the Cold War period and in traditional systems which were used for centuries by the conflict resolution practitioners. Some countries deal with conflict using other methods like withdrawing foreign aid and issuing threats through their armed force and nuclear power. Others undergo negotiation processes that are meant to prevent and reduce the risk of escalation of the conflict which could result to violent actions like the superpower confrontations (Joseph 2015). Moreover, new strategies for conflict resolution which include structural prevention, normative change, and conflict transformation are used in the modern society as the more efficient methods to solve the problems between countries that cause conflicts and disagreements. There are various challenges encountered in the conflict resolution process which repeatedly occur though in different contexts. Activities like mediating disputes, managing crises, achieving cooperation takes place during the conflict resolution process. The practitioners involved should have adequate knowledge regarding the conflict in order to establish the effective approaches to deal with different situations (Mockinlay, Darby & MacGinty 2005). Proper techniques promote the progress of the obstacles that are entailed in a particular case regardless of the difficulties faced when undertaking the task. There is also intervention which can be employed during the conflict resolution process to make sure that they solve the situation successfully with minimal adverse consequences to either of the parties involved. Different theories that have been established to analyze and advance the knowledge about the preferred strategies on international conflict resolutions. Through examples of several outcomes in various conflict resolution processes, recommendation of more studies have been suggested to come up with better strategies that will increase the understanding of the reasons for conflicts and create better strategies to address the conflicts in the contemporary society.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Conflict Transformation advocates the pursuance of conflict transformation instead of conflict resolution. Many conflict practitioners argue that this process enables a better understanding of the nature of conflict and hence, the problem is solved more effectively and efficiently. Also, conflict is created by human beings, more specifically by changes in relationships, events and social alliances; therefore, conflict transformation recognizes that conflict will always occur and that people should learn to work with its nature (Olsson 2007). The strategies that should be incorporated in the process are meant to mitigate or prevent the destructive consequences of the violence that arises, owing to the overlapping interests of any two conflicting parties. Conflict transformation also focuses on the diverse ways through which conflict can be expressed. Conflict may be expressed through non-violent advocacy, competitively, aggressively, violently or through cooperation (König, Lindberg, Lechner, & Pohlmeier 2007). The two conflicting parties involved must be willing to commit themselves to change for the success of the conflict transformation process. Peacemaking encompasses a process of promoting equality and increasing justice in the social system where conflict occurs. This is a conversion process which involves actions like improved sharing of the available resources, non-violent resolution of the conflict and elimination of oppression between the conflicting people, groups or nations. The key towards achieving harmony and making things right between disputing parties are justice, truth, empowerment, and interdependence. This must take place both at the personal levels of each party and the social system level to come up with a solution. Moreover, the approach focuses more on the process used during the mediation and dialogue process than the outcome itself (McWilliam 2007). This is because, a transparent process with discipline employed in the way the issue is approached, discussed and decided usually result to acceptable results for the two parties involved. The cause of most conflicting situations is poor communication between two groups; the conflict practitioners should concentrate more on improving communication between the two sides to help in resolving their differences. Other times, a third-party is needed in the process to aid in moderation and increase the effectiveness of bargaining between the people involved. This allows the people to make a series of offers and counteroffers so as to reach an agreement which is fair and just to everyone. The primary goal of conflict transformation is to find peaceful ways that will satisfy the needs of the different parties and improve security. Although the circumstances may vary, conflict transformation increases cooperation and trust since the two opposing sides can submit their requirements and reach a compromise for mutual success.
The end of the Cold War changed the nature of international conflicts, and this made it difficult to achieve peace. However, different approaches have been created in the contemporary society to help in the international peacemaking process. This field has developed in various phases through observation of the principal causes of disagreements which often leads to conflict. Different people attach different priorities to certain values like freedom, justice or fairness. The value difference is what leads to conflicts as what one person values most is not the other person’s priority value (Zaki, Hennigan, Weber & Ochsner 2010). These values are what shapes the needs of each party which is usually difficult to compromise. However, there is a broad range of perspectives and choices provided by the practitioners from which both parties should choose and agree. Social psychologists and peace researchers have done a lot of studies in conflict and peacemaking process. These include the traditional diplomacy, constructive and destructive conflict resolution methods, and various types of conflicts, use of non-violent actions to solve the dispute and the causes and basis of conflicts. Today, this field has extended to conflict prevention and reconciliation process after the conflict resolution process. Besides, the dynamics of the world has led to a shift in the international conflict which researchers are still struggling to understand. Also, the use of intermediaries and intervention have been embraced in the conflict resolution process internationally. This is because of the high populations globally and sharp disagreements in the light of advanced technology; for these reasons, conflicts can cause adverse effects if violence erupts with the availability of superior weapons. Therefore, scholars are coming up with different strategies for different stages and the various types of conflict (Cross & Rosenthal 2009). The different methods will influence conflict escalation and de-escalation depending on the nature of the conflict and the parties involved. Some scholars are also considering incorporation of certain elements of coercion which many think is inevitable in any resolution. Although they agree on various issues, they are still disagreements on how to categorize the different strategies to the appropriate conflicts they are supposed to solve. Moreover, they differ in dispute settlement where power and force both exists which some view as the factors that determine the transparency of the process and are difficult to negotiate. The field of international conflict resolution is aimed at seeking positive outcomes between conflicting nation-states. It should, therefore, remain distinct and strive to improve on understanding the concepts involved and achieving solutions to the various forms of conflicts.
Social psychology is a critical component of the different theories of international relations and the view of the nature of international conflicts. Usually, the social aspects of life and psychological dynamics are responsible for the escalation of the conflict. In order to resolve the international conflicts, an analysis of such dynamics should be carried out; solving the conflicts will be easier through reversing such dynamics. Social psychology recognizes that basic needs like security and identity are of great importance to people; the fear and threat that those requirements will not be met gives rise to fear. Eventually, the people’s collective fears drive conflicts as their terms of survival are in danger since they might not access their necessary requirements (Olsson 2007). Therefore, for effective conflict resolution, the focus should be aimed at both addressing the individual’s basic needs and reassuring their fears. International conflict affects the whole society in terms of its political, economic and social aspects and not only the political phenomenon as many perceive. Therefore, to fully resolve the dispute, any settlements should encompass both the international opponents and the various internal opposing forces in the society affected by the conflict. Furthermore, it is important to acknowledge that for a successful conflict resolution process, there must exist mutual agreements by the parties involved. The responsiveness by one party to the other’s needs highly influences the outcome of the process. This means that the use of threats, coercion, and fear by one party against their opponent can only lead to an escalation of conflict, and this is likely to result in retaliation. Effective strategies for conflict resolution must ensure that each party has mutually benefited through certain incentives like sharing of available resources, economic empowerment, international approval and reassurance from each party about the end of the conflict (Mockinlay, Darby & MacGinty 2005). Failure to address such issues will lead to the creation of a vicious cycle of repeated disputes between the two parties. This is because conflicts are not only a series of actions and reactions by two opposing parties but also a display of interactive and self-perpetuating dynamics that affects the parties involved. This social psychological point of view of the different aspects of international conflicts and the various methods of resolution is of the essence for the success of this field.
In conclusion, social psychology offers different perspectives and new techniques that help in understanding and managing international conflict. In addition, it gives a considerable amount of information behind the theory of global conflicts. This is important in this field, as a misunderstanding of the various aspects of conflict will lead to an escalation instead of a resolution of the concerned conflict. It’s hard for conflicting parties to take each other’s perspective and in most cases, the views of the opposing party always seem to be self-centered. Also, each party considers itself good and peaceful and most often, only seeks justice or self-defense against the other side which is seen as evil and aggressive. These opposing views are what makes it difficult to reach an agreement as each party expects that the other party should give up their wants and instead grant the other party’s requirements or even reach a compromise. This is further worsened by the fear of each party appearing weak as the gain for one party means a loss for the other party. The parties in the conflict resolution process commit themselves to structural and psychological ideas in order to reach a settlement agreed by both the parties. Scholars have claimed that training people who are participants in a conflict resolution process equip them with better skills in problem-solving, communication and negotiation. This approach is new and is considered more efficient in the conflict resolution process as it helps manage conflicts in a constructive and practical manner. It also empowers the participants and makes them to work out their differences without being subject to manipulation and without causing violence. These programs have become common and have also been taken up by many NGOs, which have assumed bigger roles in international conflicts. Although acquiring these skills and their application in the resolution processes depends on individual interests, it has a significant impact on the decision-making of a state between the conflicting nations. Therefore, conflict and peacemaking process requires coming together of both parties whose composition should entail different individuals in different social levels of each country. This will ensure that all the problems associated with the conflict, both between the nations and locally in the society are addressed to ensure that the conflict is resolved effectively to avoid recurrence.
References
Cross, S. E., & Rosenthal, R. (January 01, 2009). Three models of conflict resolution: Effects on intergroup expectancies and attitudes. Journal of Social Issues, 55, 3, 2009.
Gent, S. E., & Shannon, M. (January 01, 2011). Decision control and the pursuit of binding conflict management: Choosing the ties that bind. Journal of Conflict Resolution, 555, 710-734.
Joseph, R. R. (January 01, 2015). Indigenous approaches to peacemaking and conflict resolution: the case of inter-clans and political conflict in Msinga villages in -Natal province. Indilinga African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge Systems, 14, 1, 130-141.
König, T., Lindberg, B., Lechner, S., & Pohlmeier, W. (January 01, 2007). Bicameral conflict resolution in the European Union: An empirical analysis of conciliation committee bargains. British Journal of Political Science, 37, 2.)
McWilliam, A. (January 01, 2007). Meto disputes and peacemaking: Cultural notes on conflict and its resolution in West Timor. The Asia Pacific Journal of Anthropology, 8, 1, 75-91.
Mockinlay, J., Darby, J., & MacGinty, R. (January 01, 2005). Contemporary Peacemaking: Conflict, Violence and Peace Processes. International Journal, 60, 3, 884.
Myers, D. G., & Twenge, J. M. (2013). Social psychology . New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Olsson, C. (January 01, 2007). The politics of the apolitical: Private military companies, humanitarians and the quest for (anti-)politics in post-intervention environments. Journal of International Relations and Development, 10, 4, 332-361.
Zaki, J., Hennigan, K., Weber, J., & Ochsner, K. N. (January 01, 2010). Social cognitive conflict resolution: contributions of domain-general and domain-specific neural systems. The Journal of Neuroscience: the Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience, 30, 25, 8481-8.
