Logic-Based Conflict Analysis and Resolution

<p>The aim of this thesis is to explore the extent to which formal logic can be applied to the topic of conflict analysis and conflict resolution. It is motivated by the idea that conflicts can be understood as inconsistent sets of goals, beliefs, norms, emotions, or the like. To achieve this aim, two formal frameworks are presented. Conflict Modelling Logic (CML) is a logical system, based on branching-time temporal logic, which can be used to describe and interpret conflicts. Conflict Resolution Logic (CRL) is a set of five algorithms, inspired by the AGM model of belief revision, which can be used to generate possible solutions to conflicts. Furthermore, two numerical measures for the 'potential conflict power' of propositional formulae and the 'degree of inconsisteny' of sets of propositional formulae are introduced. The two measures allow one to assess the role of particular elements within a conflict and the depth of a conflict. The formal framework is illustrated with the example conflict of the Second Congo War.</p>

Logic-Based Conflict Analysis and Resolution

<p>The aim of this thesis is to explore the extent to which formal logic can be applied to the topic of conflict analysis and conflict resolution. It is motivated by the idea that conflicts can be understood as inconsistent sets of goals, beliefs, norms, emotions, or the like. To achieve this aim, two formal frameworks are presented. Conflict Modelling Logic (CML) is a logical system, based on branching-time temporal logic, which can be used to describe and interpret conflicts. Conflict Resolution Logic (CRL) is a set of five algorithms, inspired by the AGM model of belief revision, which can be used to generate possible solutions to conflicts. Furthermore, two numerical measures for the 'potential conflict power' of propositional formulae and the 'degree of inconsisteny' of sets of propositional formulae are introduced. The two measures allow one to assess the role of particular elements within a conflict and the depth of a conflict. The formal framework is illustrated with the example conflict of the Second Congo War.</p>

The Expression of Religion and Identity in International Funding

Donor preference is a significant component that can either promote or inhibit sustainable development results, yet the involvement of private donors in international development work has not yet been examined in academic literature. Models for integrative negotiation in funding processes have been proposed, but without having the voice of donors present in literature, all previous negotiation models are incomplete because a major party to the negotiation is absent from the model. Conflict analysis and resolution is a new approach that will bring clarity to the role of private donors in international development work and generate integrative solutions for donors to employ in their work should they choose. This phenomenographic study analyzed the content, process, identity, and relational aspects of conflict in private international development projects through the viewpoint of donors. The research goals were to (1) generate understanding about how private donors understand their role in the international development work they fund, (2) ascertain how donors experience conflict in the course of this work, and (3) determine which conflict resolution techniques can be integrated to align their intentions, resources, and outcomes more accurately. The purposive snowball sample was comprised of six donors who fund private international work outside the US. The interrelated culmination of knowledge generated from this study demonstrates a broad landscape of experiences that describe how donors experience conflict and what may motivate them to consider alternative behaviors that can change the course of their work.

ANALISA KONFLIK WILAYAH SAHARA BARAT DAN UPAYA RESOLUSI KONFLIK [WEST SAHARA CONFLICT ANALYSIS AND RESOLUTION EFFORT]

<p>The conflict in the Western Sahara is a conflict disputed by Morocco and the Polisario Front. This conflict is caused by differences in views on ownership of the territory and the authority of who has the right to manage the region. This paper aims to examine the causes, actors, interests of actors, and of the conflict. The method used in this paper is descriptive through a literature study. The findings of this study indicate that the failure of the correct analysis in the conflict hampered the conflict resolution process, and how the lack of cooperation and compromise from the conflicting parties impacted the process.</p><p><strong>BAHASA INDONESIA ABSTRAK:</strong> Konflik wilayah Sahara Barat merupakan konflik yang disengketakan oleh Maroko dan Front Polisario. Konflik ini disebabkan oleh perbedaan pandangan atas kepemilikan wilayah dan otoritas yang berhak mengelola wilayah tersebut. Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji penyebab, aktor, kepentingan aktor, dan resolusi yang mungkin hadir dalam penyelesaian konflik. Metode yang digunakan dalam tulisan ini adalah deskriptif melalui studi kepustakaan. Temuan kajian ini menunjukkan bahwa kegagalan analisis yang tepat dalam konflik membuat proses penyelesaian konflik menjadi terhambat. Selain itu, kerjasama dan kompromi dari pihak-pihak yang terlibat dalam konflik juga turut mempengaruhi proses resolusi konflik.</p>

Conflict Analysis and Resolution: Development of the Field

The field of conflict analysis and resolution (CAR) is primarily defined as ideas about and applications of ways in which conflicts can be addressed constructively. The boundaries of the field cannot be sharply drawn. There are scholars, practitioners, and outside analysts who sometimes apply conflict resolution ideas and methods but who do not self-identify as belonging to the field. They do, nevertheless, contribute to the field. The field also refers to people designated or self-identified as conflict analysis and resolution scholars and/or practitioners. This article focuses on the development of the CAR field as an interdisciplinary social science endeavor within the broad international relations domain. The major periods covered include (1) development of the field and its preliminary beginnings from 1914 to 1945; (2) emergence of CAR as a field between 1946 and 1969; (3) expansion and institutionalization from 1970–1989; (4) diffusion and differentiation from 1990–2008; and, (5) advances and challenges 2009 through 2017. From 1914 to 1945, as a result of World War I, there was a rise in pacifism. The creation of the United Nations in 1945 following World War II was intended as a means to prevent war and maintain peace. CAR research focused on analyzing the causes of violent conflicts. Researchers drew on psychoanalytic tools to examine, for example, attributes of leaders and social movements. From 1946 to 1969, as a result of the Cold War and national liberation struggles, the world experienced an increase in the number of conflicts. Governmental organizations worked to avert a possible nuclear war and to limit conflict escalation through the United Nations and by the creation of forerunners to the European Union. In the nongovernmental sector, high-level unofficial meetings began taking place to build peace and reduce tensions. CAR research grew and included the use of game theory and rational models. The period of expansion and institutionalization (1970–1989) saw the growth of alternative dispute resolution that positively affected the creation of new CAR institutions. Nongovernmental CAR organizations grew in number and effectiveness offering dialogue and problem-solving workshops to disputing parties. Research focused on nonviolent means of resolving conflicts as well as how conflicts can be waged constructively. From 1990 to 2008, the field witnessed a period of diffusion and differentiation. The end of the Cold War gave way to a period with fewer armed conflicts. Nongovernmental organizations and university programs in CAR increased. Intergovernmental organizations such as the UN and the African Union began to focus on professionalizing their mediation and peacemaking efforts. The period from 2009 through 2017 saw the field continue to grow. New challenges included the quashing of nonviolent resistance movements in the Middle East and North Africa, the impacts of climate change, the rise in terrorism, and the widespread use of technology for both positive and negative impacts on peace. This period saw a dramatic increase in the application of CAR research and experience in governmental and intergovernmental organizations’ work.

Conflict Analysis and Resolution as a Field: Core Concepts and Issues

Core concepts of the interdisciplinary social science field of conflict analysis and resolution (CAR) are discussed. Work in the field is based on numerous generally accepted ideas about the nature of conflict and constructive approaches to conflict. These ideas include ways of waging conflicts constructively, tracing the interconnectedness of conflicts, and assessing the multiplicity of actors. Other important core concepts relate to stages of conflicts: emergence, escalation, de-escalation and settlement, and sustaining peace. Finally, current and future issues regarding CAR conceptualizations and their applications are examined.

The analysis of Basque conflict and ETA in the 1990s: The kidnapping of Miguel Angel Blanco

Since the fall of the Franco’s regime in Spain, the Spanish governments have been dealing with the low-intensity conflict in their country, namely the Euskadi Ta Askatusuna (ETA) attacks. This article analyzes the Basque conflict within the framework of the conflict analysis and resolution perspective. First, it highlights the conflict issues among the Basque conflict parties. Second, it clarifies the conflict issues by focusing on kidnapping and assassination done by the ETA during 1990s. The special case of Miguel Angel Blanco who was a local Basque councilman is a case study. In order to shed light on the Blanco case, it is necessary to focus the conflict resolution dynamics of the Basque conflict. Third, the paper aims to examine the Blanco case in terms of conflict issue identification, conflict issue clarification, and conflict cultural analysis perspectives. The issue identification perspective focuses on identity, face, and instrumental issues of the Basque conflict. The issue clarification perspective concentrates on two conflicting parties’ perceptions and positions in the conflict. The cultural analysis perspective mainly attempts to analyze the cross-cultural differences between ETA and the Spanish government. Based on the analysis of Miguel Angel Blanco, this study concludes that it is necessary to reframe, re-identify and re-clarify the Basque conflict within the framework of conflict and peace studies.