Conflict Analysis and Mediation

Mediation Peace is important for coexistence, social development, and human progress. However, it is threatened by various factors including war, besides interpersonal and community issues (Vukovic, 2016). The concept of conflict is described as a scenario in which different parties strive to attain a set of scarce resources simultaneously. Since international conflicts are rare sociology focuses more on interpersonal and community conflicts which occur frequently (Proksch, s2016). These confits result in the death of many people annually. Unfortunately, communal conflicts are under-researched. Research on conflict is mostly intended to identify the causes rather than determine the most effective resolutions to conflicts.

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Conflict analysis Conflict analysis is defined as the systematic investigation of risk factors, causes, key actors and dynamics of conflicts. The primary purpose of conflict analysis, as highlighted by Eagly (2017), is guiding development, peacebuilding and humanitarian organizations to attain a greater comprehension of the context in which they work and their part in that context. Conflict analysis is essential in conflict management processes since it enables stakeholders to reconsider their perceptions that are often influenced by assumptions, misunderstandings and suspicions. It also helps restore logic and reason overwhelmed by emotions (Jones & Metzger, 2018).

Conflict mapping Conflict mapping is a critical conflict analysis tool that helps peacekeepers examine core actors and their interrelationships. It provides a starting point for analyzing different forms of conflict, including community conflicts. Mediators use this tool to reconstruct the chain of events in conflicts. It involves gathering relevant information to understand the triggers and other forces that contributed to a conflict (Dietrich, 2017). The purpose of conflict mapping is to investigate the relationship between different parties in a conflict.

Description of conflict dynamics Conflicts occur in phases and effective resolution is based on an understanding of the dynamics of each phase. The three dynamics of conflict are emotional, cognitive and behavioral dimensions. Researchers and sociologists utilize these dimensions to comprehend the complexities of conflict (Jones & Metzger, 2018). These dimensions also aid in understanding why conflicts proceed in contrary directions. Community conflicts arise due to different ways of thinking exhibited by people. Some people employ a dominant or submissive approach to conflict resolution whereas others employ a threatening approach (Vukovic, 2016).

Conflict intervention strategy Euwema, Medina, García, and Pender (2019) noted that for conflict resolution to be effective, it requires more than just selection and mechanical application of an intervention. The parties resolving the conflict must utilize critical thinking skills, interpersonal and intellectual skills besides remaining focused on the conflict resolution process. Importantly, the parties need to select an effective intervention to achieve success. The conflict intervention strategy proposed in this paper is medication. Eagly (2017) defined mediation as the process in which a neutral third party, referred to as the mediator, assists the conflicting parties to resolve their disputes.

Despite lacking the power to make decisions for the parties, the mediator helps the parties to make mutually acceptable resolutions.

Mediation occurs through five stages that involve convening the mediation, opening the mediation process communication, negotiation and closure. The mediator may use a face-to-face intervention to allow the conflict parties to raise their grievances and develop ideas for resolving the current problems (Eagly, 2017). The purpose of mediation is to make people aware that they can resolve conflicts through cooperation and negotiation, thus empowering the participants, lowering legal burdens, and averting an escalation of disputes.

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References Dietrich, W., (2017). Elicitive Conflict Mapping. Palgrave Macmillan UK Eagly, A. H. (2017). A Pioneer in the Social Psychology of Conflict Analysis and Resolution.

Springer International Publishing.

Euwema, M. C., Medina, F. J., García, A. B., & Pender, E. R. (2019). Mediation in Collective Labor Conflicts. Springer.

Jones, B. T., & Metzger, S. K. (2018). Conflict Dynamics. In Global encyclopedia of public administration, public policy, and governance. New York, NY: Springer.

Proksch, S. (2016). Conflict Management. Springer International Publishing.

Vukovic, S. (2016). International multiparty mediation and conflict management: Challenges of cooperation and coordination (p. 212).