In this article, we will focus on the essential analytical tools used in conflict resolution and discuss their significance in understanding and resolving conflicts. The complex structures of conflicts require an in-depth examination of the relationships between the parties involved. Therefore, we will explore why the tools used to understand the origins, dynamics, and needs of the parties in conflicts play a critical role. Additionally, we will provide practical examples of how these tools can be applied both in the field and in everyday life.
Before discussing conflict analysis tools and the analysis processes conducted with these tools, it is worthwhile to recall what a conflict is. As mentioned in our earlier articles, a conflict is “an interaction based on the perception that something is inappropriate or inconsistent among people who are somehow connected to each other”
Understanding the nature of such an interaction, the processes from which it originates, the sources from which it feeds, and the parties between whom it occurs is extremely important. In other words, to fully grasp the existing conflict, the sources, actors (parties), and dynamics of the conflict must be systematically examined. This is precisely where the conflict analysis process comes into play.
What Is Conflict Analysis?
Although conflicts are often attempted to be defined simply, they can actually be intricate and complex structures influenced by many dynamics. This becomes especially evident in conflicts that are multi-party and/or spread over time. At this point, we utilize conflict analysis to make sense of the complex nature of conflicts and to focus our attention on the dimensions of the conflict that are necessary for us. Conflict analysis not only ensures an objective understanding of the existing conflict but also makes the subjective perceptions of the parties within the conflict transparent. Thus, the situations that cause the conflict become clearly visible, making it easier to contemplate.
Like conflicts, conflict analysis tools are also influenced by different worldviews. Contemporary conflict analysis has evolved from other broad areas related to conflict, such as conflict prevention, peacebuilding, development cooperation, and humanitarian aid. In this process, the Harvard Approach, Basic Needs Theory, and Conflict Transformation approaches are frequently used.
Harvard Approach: Proposes “focusing on the problem above the table rather than on the people around it.” This means that conflicts can be healthily resolved by focusing on interests rather than actors and positions, thereby creating criteria that are mutually accepted by all parties.
Basic Needs Theory: Argues that understanding and analyzing the basic needs of the parties is crucial for resolving conflicts.
Conflict Transformation: Emphasizes the different perceptions that may arise between parties and the social and cultural context in which reality is constructed, arguing that constructive conflict transformation should empower all parties and support recognition among the actors.
As you will notice, these approaches have interdependent and supportive aspects. Therefore, they can be addressed together in resolving many conflicting processes. Based on these explanations, you will easily see how and to what extent the conflict analysis tools we share below are influenced by these approaches.
What Tools Are There?
When researching conflict analysis, you will encounter many different tools. However, in this article, we will discuss three of them which we frequently use in our training and personal lives: the Conflict Tree, Onion Analysis, and Conflict Mapping. These tools can be used individually or collaboratively by the parties experiencing the conflict. In such cases, it is common to use them with the assistance of a mediator.
To summarize these tools briefly:
Conflict Tree: Focuses on the causes and consequences of the conflict. This tool uses the similarity between a tree's roots, trunk, branches, and fruits and the cause-effect relationship of the conflict. The sources feeding the conflict (roots) and the results it creates (branches and fruits/leaves) are identified through this analysis. The trunk of the tree represents the place where the conflict is defined. You may wonder why this definition is necessary; however, in many conflicts, it is important because parties often define the same conflict differently. Through this analytical tool, the parties can discuss and achieve clarity on the definition, sources, and outcomes of the conflict.
Onion Analysis: Focuses on the positions (how do they see each other?), interests (what do they want?), and needs (what are their real needs?) of the parties within the conflict. It is named and created based on the layered structure of an onion. The outer layer of the onion represents "positions," while the "core" (center) represents "needs." The area in between symbolizes "interests." The important thing here is to separate the parties’ positions from their interests and needs to identify their true needs. Many conflict resolution theorists emphasize that while the fulfillment of needs must be negotiated, how they can be met is negotiable.
Another point is that the greater the differences and polarization between the parties, the more they will "stay in position," making it difficult to identify interests and needs.
Conflict Mapping: Focuses on the relationships between the parties within the conflict. It uses the language of lines and symbols to identify the key parties and visualize the relationship between them. If present, less significant parties or supporters can also be added to ensure visibility of all parties involved in the conflict. This analytical tool is particularly useful in identifying both key parties and determining with whom negotiations can be conducted at various stages based on the relationships between the parties in multi-party and complex conflicts.
With Whom and How Are They Used?
Conflict analysis tools can be used individually or in a participatory manner within a group. The parties experiencing the conflict can use them together or with the support of a mediator or facilitator. Particularly where there are differences in how the parties perceive each other, as much as the dynamics of the conflict allow, the joint application of these tools with all parties can help transform their perceptions of each other and, consequently, the conflict.
In terms of usage stages, we can generally say that they are used before sitting down for conflict resolution (negotiations) to ensure a complete understanding of the conflict. However, they can also be used during negotiations or, if an agreement has been reached, for follow-up in the subsequent process.
Additionally, because conflict analysis tools systematically examine the profile, causes, actors, and dynamics of the conflict, they can help development, humanitarian, and peacebuilding organizations better understand the context in which they operate and their roles within it, thus also being applicable in that scope.
Additionally, feedbacks from our fieldwork indicates that conflict analysis tools can be effectively used both in institutional team work (for example, to understand the existing needs, target groups, and the results created while developing a project or creating a policy document) and at individual levels (for example, in resolving disputes between partners). Furthermore, there are also examples of their use at national and international levels; however, in this article, we aimed to provide more examples from everyday life.
All you need to carry out all these applications is paper and pen, perhaps a board... Then, depending on the needs of the conflict, the tool(s) to be used (it may be necessary to use more than one tool depending on the needs of the conflict) can be drawn and detailed as described above, discussed, and subsequently, steps for resolution can be determined.
In Summary
Conflict analysis will assist in:
The systematic understanding of the parties, causes, and dynamics of the existing conflict (planning),
Defining the necessary interventions for resolution and reviewing any new or previously defined interventions (planning and implementation),
Measuring the interaction of the interventions and the conflict dynamics in which they are involved (post-agreement, monitoring, and evaluation stage).
Thank you for reading our post! At Conflictus, we eagerly await your feedback and insights.
Dilara Gök
Conflictus Conflict Resolution Training and Consultancy
🔗 Learn more about our services: Conflictus Website: https://www.conflictus.co/en
📧 Contact us: info@conflictus.co
Conflict Analysis Tools, SDC, Copret, Dec 2005
Conflict-sensitive approaches to development, humanitarian assistance and peace building: tools for peace and conflict impact assessment | Chapter 2, Saferworld, https://www.saferworld-global.org/resources/search
Conflict Analyis Handbook, United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC), 2016
Folger, J.P., Poole, M.S., & Stutman, R.K. (2012). Working Through Conflict: Strategies for Relationships, Groups, and Organizations. Pearson.
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