On conflicts

Conflicts are an integral part of human life. They are inevitable but also dynamic in their nature. In addition, conflicts are closely linked to any changes and potential development. In short, conflicts pose a challenge to us human beings.

Conflict resolution can contribute towards social progress, openness, straightforwardness and a greater degree of understanding between people. Turning a blind eye or ignoring the challenge posed by conflicts, can and does lead to conflict escala­tion, polarisation and open hostility.

 It all depends on how we cope with conflicts.

 If we work constructively with conflicts, they can and do become an enriching element in connec­tion with changes and development taking place in our individual lives, in different societies, as well as between nations.

We need not to be illiterates in the area of conflict resolution. Each one of us has the capabil­ity and the possibility of learning to deal with dis­agreements in ways that lead to transforming the energy bound to disagreements into constructive energy.
In fact the methods and tools developed in connection with conflict resolution can become common everyday skills, similar to skills like read­ing and writing.
It is our contention that this can be achieved in different and diverse cultural surroundings.

Attached articles:

"Conflict-solving: Simple and Difficult" by Ms. Else Hammerich, founder of the Danish Centre for Conflict Resolution. An introduction to the basics of conflict resolution and the historical context of the Centre.

"Conflict-analysis and mediation phases". An introduction to the different types of conflict, the conflict ladder (conflict escalation), how to respond to conflicts, the phases of mediation.

The articles can be downloaded at the bottom of this page.