Conflict is a multi-dimensional social phenomenon which is an integral feature of human existence, essential to the ongoing processes of history, to social change, and transformation.  It arises because of a perceived incompatibility over material or symbolic resources.

However, conflict also has a positive dimension as normal forms of social interaction which may contribute to the maintenance, development, change and overall stability of social entities. Thus, it is only a problem when society cannot represent, manage, or resolve its different interests in a productive manner, thereby initiating a degenerative or destructive cycle of physical violence.

The goal of this course is to help you understand the history of tensions in a given society, their causes, and what fuels them; to identify the priority issues (root causes) of the tensions and identify the priorities for action. Conflict analysis is the first in the series because of the primary role that good analysis plays in successful conflict management. It is important to note that effective action is invariably the product of insightful analysis.