Political ConflictBUS 814 – DIVERSITY & CONFLICT MANAGEMENTGROUP 1

Background

ConflictConflict is an expressed struggle between at least two interdependent parties who perceive incompatible goals, scarce resources, and interference from others in achieving their goals.

A conflict is more than a mere disagreement

PoliticsPolitics may be explained as the practice and theory of influencing other people. More narrowly, it refers to achieving and exercising positions of governance — organized control over a human community, particularly a state.

It could be formal or informal

Political ConflictPolitical conflict may be explained as an expressed struggle by a community or group arising out a perceived or actual threat to their interests, or ability to acquire and exercise governance within a larger group or country.

Political conflicts escalates easily if left unresolved

How does political conflict emerge???Who are the actors?

How does political conflict emerge?

FAULTY AMALGAMATION OF GROUPS TO FORM A NATION/SOCIETY

BREAKDOWN IN SOCIAL CONTRACT AND CORRUPTION social contract is a

framework of rules that governs state-society relations and the distribution of resources, rights and responsibilities in an organized society

WEAK STATE INSTITUTIONS

INEQUALITY, EXCLUSION AND MARGINALIZATION

The actors are…

The essence of a political conflict lies in a contradiction, adequately represented by the concept of a “positional difference”

It presupposes the presence of at least two entities/groups possessing intellectual capacity and vision, capable of communication. Such an entity/group is called an actor.

Major actors in political conflict include: Countries Religious Groups Individuals sharing a common Cultural Groups

ideology e.g. women rights group

How political conflict affects the economic, political, social development and lifestyles of the affected persons.

HUMAN TOLL POLITICAL GOVERNANCE SOCIOECONOMIC COSTS LEGACY OF LARGE SCALE

HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES

“

”Political conflicts can be resolved, transformed, and transcended

CONFLICT MANAGEMENT STRATEGY TO ADDRESS POLITICAL CONFLICT

To do so requires design of a culturally adaptable conflict resolution approach that integrate prejudice reduction, group facilitation, public dialogue, collaborative negotiation, mediation, arbitration and community building.

Role of mediatorMediation is a process where two or more parties appoint a third-party neutral (“Mediator”) to help them in a non-binding dialog to resolve a dispute and/or to conclude the terms of an agreement.

Functions of mediators in political conflict

Convener - assist in contacting the other party(-ies) to arrange for an introductory meeting. Educator - educates the parties about the mediation process, other conflict resolution alternatives etc. Communication Facilitator-seeks to ensure that each party is fully heardTranslator- can help by rephrasing or reframing communications so that they are better understood and received. Questioner and Clarifier- probes issues and confirms understandings Process Advisor- to suggest procedures for making progress in mediation discussions e.g.. consultation with legal counselCatalyst-By offering options for considerations, stimulating new perspectives and offering reference points for consideration, mediator serves as a stimulant for the parties reaching agreement. Responsible Detail Person-manages and keeps track of all necessary information, writes up the parties' agreement, and may assist the parties to implement their agreement.

Ways & mechanisms of preventing political conflict

Information gathering- Establishment of information gathering centre. This centre would be a first level centre for complaint handling and information gathering and analysis. A process or system must be put in place that can acquire information about the causes and likely nature of the potential conflict so that the appropriate preventive action can be identified.

Develop platform for dialogue- This would encourage discussion among various cultural, religious, youth, gender based, civil groups through their mediators.

Building/Strengthening strong institutions- Strong independent institutions like courts and police free from government interference that would build trust in fair treatment in any political conflict.

Identify and train mediators- This involves identification of people from various groups that will be trained in mediation and conflict resolution.

Diagrammatic representation of suggested mechanism for preventing political conflict (Model)

Thanks for listening!

Shakirudeen LasisiBolanle Oyedipe

Mansura BamangaBilkisu Abubakar