CSP - lecture 2

Azar’s view on causes of conflict

Due to "the prolonged and often violent struggle by communal groups for such basic needs as security, recognition and acceptance, fair access to political institutions and economic participation".

Negative peace

Refers to the absence of direct violence.

Positive peace

Refers to the presence of social, economic, and political conditions that promote justice, equality, and well-being.

Cultural peace

Refers to the development of cultural norms and values that support positive peace.

Protracted Social Conflicts (PSC)

A conflict that is deeply rooted in social, economic, or political structures and institutions, and that persists over time despite efforts at resolution. May involve a range of actors, including state and non-state actors, and may be characterised by cycles of violence and repression.

Where to look to understand conflict from a PSC perspective

• Communal content/ identify a group (religion, ethnic, racial, cultural).

• Identified deprivations of human needs as underlying source of PSC.

• Governance and the role of the state in frustrating the satisfaction of needs.

• International linkages (economic/ military dependencies and clientage).

Determinants to active conflict (Azar)

• Communal actions and strategies (group formation, organisation and mobilisation, i.e.)

• State actions and strategies (coercive repression or instrumental co-option, i.e.)

• Build-in mechanism of conflict (perception, experiences, fear, i.e.)

the causes of social conflict (PSC theory)

Needs and the failure of states to satisfy them.

Transnational conflict (TNC) framework

A way of understanding conflicts that cross national boundaries and involve multiple actors, including states, non-state actors, and international organisations.