Conflict Dynamics (DP IB Global Politics: HL): Revision Note

Galtung's conflict triangle

• Norwegian sociologist Johan Galtung devised a model to explain violence and conflict

• Conflict is not simply war - it can manifest at many levels of global politics

  1. Direct violence

     • Physical or verbal harm that is deliberately and visibly carried out by one person or group against another

  2. Structural violence

     • Harm caused not by a specific individual but by the way society is organised, where unjust political, economic or social systems prevent people from meeting their basic needs

  3. Cultural Violence

     • Aspects of culture, such as religion, ideology, language or art, that are used to justify or legitimise direct or structural violence, making harm seem acceptable or natural

The conflict triangle

• Galtung argues that deeper, hidden causes support visible violence

• In the real world this manifests itself in many ways

  1. In communities with high levels of domestic violence there will more likely be negative attitudes and beliefs about women

  2. In states where racial groups are targeted for violence, there exists systemic discrimination in the justice system

Position, interests, needs (PIN)

• The human needs theory of conflict maintains that human beings require certain things if society is to maintain peace

• Position, needs, interests (PIN) is a conflict resolution framework which goes beyond the surface of conflict for parties involved

• To successfully resolve conflict

  1. The claims and demands of all parties must be considered

     • This is a starting point because only focusing on positions will not normally resolve a conflict

  2. The aim of any conflict resolution is to go deeper into why the parties hold the positions they do

     • By identifying interests, it can be easier to find common ground and alternative solutions to conflict

  3. Needs are fundamental and non-negotiable

     • Both parties must understand the needs of each other

The PIN model

• The PIN model attempts to get below the surface of conflict

  • Interests and needs can be identified (and sometimes recognised as shared), thereby making negotiation more meaningful

• The three levels, from top to bottom, are:

  • Positions (top — narrow overlap)

    • What each party publicly demands or declares they want

    • These are often stated as firm, non-negotiable stances

    • Because the triangles barely touch at the top, positions tend to seem incompatible - this is where conflict is most visible

  • Interests (middle — more overlap)

    • The underlying reasons behind each party's position — why they want what they say they want

    • There is often more common ground here than the stated positions suggest

    • Example: two countries might both claim disputed land (positions differ), but both actually want security and economic stability (shared interests)

  • Needs (bottom — greatest overlap)

    • The deepest level - fundamental human needs and fears (safety, identity, belonging, recognition)

    • These are the most widely shared across conflicting parties

    • Resolving conflict is most durable when it addresses needs, not just positions

Cycles of conflict

• Cycles of conflict are recurring patterns of tension, escalation, crisis and conflict

  • Occur in personal conflicts to global conflicts

  • Often liked to violence against marginalised and vulnerable people

• Conflicts are not easily resolved

  • It is very common for them to flare up repeatedly over time because underlying causes are not resolved

  • There are many reasons why conflicts flare up repeatedly

    • Needs are unmet and fear remains

    • Minor incidents can trigger old resentments

    • Deep distrust

The cycles of abuse model

• This model of cycles of abuse specifically refers to interpersonal domestic violence, but the principles apply to a variety of conflict situations

The Four Stages

1. Tensions Building

   • Stress and tension increase within the relationship

   • Communication begins to break down

   • The victim becomes fearful and anxious, often trying to manage or placate the abuser to avoid triggering an incident

   • The victim may feel like they are "walking on eggshells"

2. Incident

   • An episode of actual abuse occurs

   • This can take many forms: verbal, emotional, physical or financial

   • Includes behaviours like anger, blaming, arguing, threats and intimidation

3. Reconciliation

   • The abuser apologises (or makes excuses)

   • Common tactics include blaming the victim, denying the abuse happened or minimising it

   • May involve affection, gifts, or promises to change — sometimes called 'love bombing'

4. Calm

   • The incident is forgotten (or suppressed)

   • Life appears to return to normal - this is often called the 'honeymoon phase'

   • The victim may feel hopeful that the abuse has stopped for good

   • Over time, this phase typically gets shorter, and the cycle begins again

• Understanding the cycle of conflict is essential for successful conflict resolution to take place