Peace and conflict studies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Peace and conflict studies - Essay Example Conflict resolution can be defined as a situation in which the conflicting parties go into an agreement that provides solution to their core incompatibilities, acknowledge the other individual’s continued subsistence as parties and stop all violent actions directed towards the other individual. Conflict resolution usually comes after a conflict (Wallensteen 8). Conflict Resolution Paradigm: Peace through the Power of Communication The paradigm provides a more practical approach to peace through the creation and refinement of the skills necessary for the analysis of conflict and responds to the conflict with effective communication and negotiation strategies (Funk 1). According to this paradigm, conflict is found at all the levels of organization and human interaction and it ranges from interpersonal to international. Although conflict causes great human suffering and separation, it does not lead to violence; the conflict is necessary for the main changes in the social systems and relationships (Funk 1). Peace is a continuous process that skillfully deals with the prevention or the transformation of conflict. Effective management and resolution of conflict requires the awareness of an individual’s attitudes towards conflict and regular conflict management styles such as collaborative, competitive, submissive and avoidant and other styles. This is done in order to achieve freedom that defines an individual’s response in a coordinated and proactive manner. The awareness enhances the chances of a win-win rather than lose-lose or win-lose solution. The paradigm helps the individual (a) to understand and operate his or her emotions, (b) to create openness to a more reliable communication, and (c) to manage the processes that can lead to escalation of a conflict (Funk 1). Conflict resolution paradigm proponents approach peace through straight interactions with the others. If peace is required, the suggestion provided is the development of skills f or coexistence and communication (Funk 1). Nonviolence Paradigm: Peace through Willpower The paradigm proposes that the government power is derived primarily from the people’s consent and secondarily from intimidation. By consenting to the affairs of the state and working within the norms’ framework, the individuals authorize that order. If the norms are dehumanizing, the individuals dehumanize and disempower themselves (Funk 1). The peace that coexists between human communities cannot be attained through violence nor can the democracy be achieved through armed rebellion within the society. Therefore, peace cannot be disentangled from justice and justice encompasses the lack of oppression; this is regardless of whether it was perpetrated directly through the use of weapons or indirectly thorough the inequitable institutions and structures (Funk 1). In a nutshell, peace only coexists in the absence of violence. According to this paradigm, the legitimate power is derived from the human solidarity and willpower rather from the violence; the violence undermines the community and bears seeds of destruction. The nonviolence paradigm provides a move towards peacemaking. Peacemaking has been utilized to counter any forms of political repression and social discrimination and resist foreign occupation and imperialism (Funk 1). My Opinion