FRAMING PROBLEMS

SCOPING PROBLEMS

COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS


PROCEDURAL PROBLEMS

Problems with the formal (and informal) processes which the parties use to interact with one another.

For more information about any of these topics, click on the title.
 
Excluded Parties
Strategic Delays
Rushed Decisions
Lack of Clear Goals
Meaningless Public Involvement
Complexity Muddle
Unfulfilled Expectations
Vested Interests
Dictatorial Process
Timing Problems
 

 
ESCALATION PROBLEMS

Problems involving the intensification of the conflict

For more information about any of these topics, click on the title.
Contention Dynamics
Runaway Responses
Polarization
Personal Attacks
Violence
Sacrifice Trap
Tactical Escalation
Out-Group / Enemy Image
De-Humanization
Extremists
Crises
Emotions
Stalemate
Inflammatory Media
Procrastination of Response

Copyright ©1998 Conflict Research Consortium  -- Contact: crc@colorado.edu

usiplogo.gif (1499 bytes)

International Online Training Program On Intractable Conflict

Conflict Research Consortium, University of Colorado, USA

Core Conflict Problems

 


 

TYPES OF CORE ISSUES

Although intractable conflicts can involve almost any issue, some kinds of issues are particularly likely to cause conflicts to become intractable.  Among these are the following:

The Denial of Identity
The Denial of Other Human Needs
Domination Conflicts
High Stakes Distributional Conflicts
 

FORCE PROBLEMS

Problems which arise when one party forces another party to do something that they do not want to do.

For more information about any of these topics, click on the title.
 
Failure to Recognize Available Force-Based Options
Assuming Force is the Only Source of Power
Absence of Violence Limiting Mechanisms
Failure to Anticipate Opponent Reactions and the Backlash Effect
Misunderstanding the Relationship Between Threat and Force
Illegitimate or Excessive Use of Force
Pursuing Force to the Bitter End

Note:  the following seven items can be considered either problems or solutions, depending on one's point of view.  They therefore appear on both the problem and the solution lists, and the write-ups reflect both perspectives.
 
Submission
Subversion
Defiance
Defense
Coalition Building
Deterrence, Counter-Threats (and Arms Races)
Flight (Refugees)

 
Assuming Monolithic, Worst Case Opponents
Neglecting Costs and Risks of Using Force
Human Rights/War Crime Problem
Lack of Viable Military Options
Tyranny of the Powerful/Disempowerment
Ostracizing Losers
 

 

INTEGRATIVE PROBLEMS

The integrative system is the system of social, economic, and political bonds that hold people, communities, and societies together.   Integrative problems are situations that weaken these bonds or fail to take advantage of the power they can provide for constructive conflict confrontation.

For more information about any of these topics, click on the title.

Neglecting Opportunities for Persuasion
Ineffective Persuasion
** TOUR ** Differences in Values
Lack of Legitimacy
Distrust
Prejudice / Discrimination
Erosion of Traditional Conflict Management Institutions (Extended families, churches, or judicial systems for example)
Integrative System Does Not Exist or Is Very Weak
Upheaval Conflicts

 

EXCHANGE PROBLEMS

 

Trading or exchange is the second fundamental form of power (the other two being force and the integrative system).

Exchange problems are problems which prevent the negotiation of voluntary agreements.

For more information about any of these topics, click on the title.

Limits to Agreement: Better Alternatives
Poor Timing
Overlooking Ripe Moments for Negotiation
Refusal to Negotiate
Attempting to Negotiate Non-negotiable Issues
No Legitimate Party to Negotiate With
Wrong (or Missing) Parties at the Table
Lack of a Negotiating Forum
Distrust Opponent's Willingness to Keep Commitments
New Leader Briefings
Requests to Abandon Power Options as a Precondition to Negotiation
Attempts to Unfairly Distribute the Benefits of Agreement
All or Nothing Approach
Scale-Up Problem
Inexperienced Parties
Poor Process or Structure
Power Imbalances
Third Party Not Effective or Credible
Failed Mediation