lecture 2
Galtung's Transformation Theory
Galtung's approach to transformation is illustrated through geometric shapes.
He utilizes a triangle to represent complete transformation.
Alternatively, the speaker perceives transformation as a circular movement, indicative of interconnectedness in attitudes, behaviors, and structural factors.
Attitudes and Cultural Violence
The concept of attitudes is likened to the tip of an iceberg, with deeper elements lying beneath it.
Cultural Violence: This is visible in attitudes and can be seen as reflecting emotional and psychological factors.
It often requires an emotive impetus to ignite, such as the construction of an enemy image, which helps individuals blame societal ills on a particular group.
This blame can fuel an escalation towards direct violence.
Stereotypes and Perceptions
Importance of altering stereotypes is emphasized; they shape perceptions of others.
The speaker proposes that development does not follow a strictly linear path; dramatic shifts in attitudes intermingle.
Underlying Structural Factors
Contradictions: These refer to structural causes that underlie attitudes and behaviors, often complicating the conflict transformation process.
Simply having a negative attitude is insufficient for direct conflict; underlying factors must exist, such as injustice or discrimination.
Role of Ideology and Religion
Ideology and religion are intertwined with politics and are often invoked within conflicts.
The speaker notes that historical contexts, such as the Nazi ideology, played pivotal roles in escalating conflicts, particularly emphasizing structural factors and propaganda leading to warfare.
Reference to the Great Depression as a context that facilitated the rise of aggressive ideologies and scapegoating in Nazi Germany.
Conflict Transformation Model
Galtung’s triangle components: Attitudes, Behaviors, and Structures (referred to as A, B, C).
Each element must be addressed for effective conflict transformation.
A: Attitudes
B: Behaviors
C: Structural issues
The conflict transformation process aims to redirect potentially violent conflicts towards nonviolent solutions.
Example: Instead of scapegoating, remedy structural violence through economic policy, job creation, welfare improvements.
This encourages a shift in collective attitudes and behaviors towards non-violence.
Case Studies and Theoretical Applications
Second World War: Utilized as an example of how structural violence intertwined with ideologies can lead to militaristic conflict.
The aftermath of World War I exacerbated inter-party relations that led to World War II.
The notion of a “win-win” resolution in conflict theory is critical, where both parties achieve satisfactory outcomes.
Challenges in Conflict Resolution
The complexities of modern conflicts—where entrenched attitudes and behaviors persist—hinder negotiations and resolutions.
UN peacekeeping missions often struggle to implement solutions when no party is invested in peace.
Examples of Conflict Resolution
The discussion of various historical events, such as the peaceful resolution of the union between England and Scotland as a positive conflict resolution example, highlights the outcomes of successful negotiations without violence.
Czechoslovakia's peaceful separation is cited as a case study of successful conflict transformation.
Northern Ireland's conflicts exemplify how direct violence previously existed, juxtaposed against situations that remain polarized yet non-violent.
Multidisciplinary Approaches
Peace and Conflict Studies encompass a multidisciplinary approach combining social sciences, history, psychology, etc.
Theoretical frameworks from diverse fields contribute to a comprehensive understanding of conflict dynamics and resolutions.
The Nature of Peace
Galtung's perspective on peace emphasizes a reduction and absence of violence, extending the definition of peace beyond static conditions to proactive engagements.
Peace Work: Defined as work that seeks to reduce violence through nonviolent means, signifying that peace must be actively pursued rather than passively expected.
Various dimensions of peace include efforts toward justice and structural equality and positive elements of peace that involve fostering understanding among conflicting parties.
Ethical Considerations in Peace Studies
There exists contention on whether military intervention can be categorized as peace work, given its inherently violent nature.
The role of international law and humanitarian efforts can be contentious; they seem at odds with some of Galtung’s pacifist principles.
Conclusion and Further Discussion
Exploration of topics related to structural violence, attitudes, and theories of peace continues to evolve, showcasing the complexity and breadth of peace and conflict studies.
Continued dialogue surrounding relevant historical, ethical, and theoretical aspects is vital for future practitioners in the field.
Types of Conflict in Literature
Overview of conflicts found in literature.
Definitions and criteria for understanding conflicts vary among scholars.
Disagreement among scholars about the categorization of conflicts, particularly pertaining to the concept of "new wars".
Example: 1990s conflicts challenged by scholars who assert they are merely civil wars.
Definitions and Characteristics of Conflict
Fundamental agreement: Conflict involves two or more parties.
Definition distinction: Genocide is seen as a different phenomenon from conflict.
Genocide involves one-sided violence targeted at a victim group by a perpetrator, contrasting with the multi-party nature of conflict.
Connection to Malikalta’s work on the Former Yugoslavia:
Argues for a new type of war that deviates from traditional state-to-state conflict.
Within civil wars, political violence may include genocide.
Analysis of UN Operations
UN operations were unsuccessful due to misinterpretation of violent processes in contexts like the Former Yugoslavia and Gaza.
The current conflict between Hamas and Israel is presented as a conflict containing elements of genocide.
Acknowledgment that different categories of violence coexist within conflicts.
Political Violence
Political violence as a central theme in understanding armed conflict.
Quote from Clausewitz: "War is an extension of politics."
Common misconceptions about war from media portrayals (chaotic, akin to natural disasters).
Reality: War is a logical and pragmatic political activity with specific strategies and campaigns.
Importance of recognizing armed conflict as a controllable event, not to be viewed as an uncontrollable natural force.
Understanding Conflict Through Legal Definitions
International law differentiates between two types of armed conflict:
International Armed Conflict: Traditional conflict between states.
Non-International Armed Conflict: Involvement of a state against groups or between groups within a state (civil war).
Definition of armed conflict in legal terms:
Occurs when two parties resort to force using weapons.
Definitions extend to violent conflicts without combatant-only provisions:
Violent conflict is described as armed conflict between two or more parties.
Symmetrical vs Asymmetrical Conflict
Symmetrical Conflict: Equal strength between warring parties.
Asymmetrical Conflict: Disparity in power dynamics, e.g., a powerful state against weaker rebel forces.
Example: The US against Costa Rica or the Palestinian conflict with Israel characterized as asymmetrical.
Factors influencing the longevity of asymmetrical conflicts include historical repression and structural violence grievances.
Conflict Transformation and Resolution
Theories suggest resolution requires addressing structural violence and changing attitudes of warring parties.
Queries about achieving peace in post-colonial settings despite ongoing political instability.
Historical perspectives suggest that importing liberal democracy may stabilize such states, but there are criticisms regarding its effectiveness and suitability for specific contexts.
The Complexity of Post-Colonial Conflict
Issues in postcolonial states stem from deep-rooted problems, such as resource control.
Governance often falls into the hands of corrupt leaders who do not serve the interests of the populace, maintaining societal violence.
Recognition that long-term solutions are necessary for resolving conflicts that have roots in colonial history.
Statistical Understanding of Conflict
A conflict is statistically defined as a non-conflict if it results in fewer than 1,000 deaths per year.
Concern exists over the adequacy of death-toll thresholds for acknowledging ongoing violence.
Civilian deaths are an inevitable consequence of warfare, despite efforts to minimize them.
Conflicts with fewer casualties may not be recognized as armed conflicts, even if violence persists.
Low Intensity vs High Intensity Conflict
Classification of conflict intensity helps in understanding the situation of violence in different regions, e.g., Israel/Palestine.
Protracted conflicts characterized by long-lasting violence and multiple actors involved; often compelled by humanitarian interventions.
Seasonal variations affect the intensity of violence, as seen in conflicts like those in Sudan.
Nature of Protracted Conflicts
Protracted conflicts often relate to deeply rooted issues that require long-term solutions.
Examples of conflict rooted in colonial processes outline how these conflicts can persist over decades.
Notable example: Ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo since the 1950s.
Impacts of Resource Control on Conflict
Conflicts often tied to resources (natural or otherwise) impacting the fight.
Modern warfare often involves economic motives rather than ideological goals.
Example: Warlords in Former Yugoslavia profiting from looting humanitarian aid.
Transnational crimes, including human trafficking, increasingly tied to conflicts generating significant financial gains.
Varied Terminology for Types of Conflict
Terms such as intrastate war, civil war, and new wars reflect differing classifications of armed conflict within states.
Sectarian violence attributed to conflicts driven by religious or ideological divisions, though underlying political motives exist.
Introduction of concepts such as hybrid wars and proxy wars, particularly during the Cold War era, reflects evolving understandings of global political dynamics.
The Syrian conflict exemplifies a blend of these conflict types, often drawing international involvement as a proxy for foreign interests.