Lecture 9: Intractability

Question 1

What are intractable conflicts?

Answer 1

Intractable conflicts are prolonged and self-perpetuating conflicts that escalate quickly and are resistant to conflict management. They are destructive in methods and scale.

Question 2

What are the key characteristics of intractable conflicts?

Answer 2

1. Protracted: Escalate quickly and self-perpetuating.
2. Destructive: Severe and harmful in methods and scale.
3. Resistant to Conflict Management: Difficult to resolve through conventional conflict management techniques.

Question 3

What are the causes of intractability according to Burgess & Burgess?

Answer 3

1. Irreconcilable Moral Differences
2. High-Stakes Distributional Issues
3. Domination or “Pecking Order” Conflicts
4. Identity Conflicts

Question 4

How do identities contribute to intractable conflicts?

Answer 4

1. Defaming the Other: Negative portrayals of the opposing side.
2. Polarized Identities (Zero-Sum): “With us or against us” mentality.
3. Existential Struggle: Conflict perceived as essential for survival.
4. Grudge Culture: Belief in continuous struggle for existence.
5. Conspiracy Thinking: Belief that other communities are plotting against them.

Question 5

What are the phases of intractability?

Answer 5

1. Latent Conflict
2. Eruption Phase
3. Escalation Phase
4. Institutionalization Phase
5. De-escalation and Transformation Phase
6. Termination and Recovery Phase

Question 6

What happens during the Eruption Phase of intractability?

Answer 6

1. Occurrence of a contentious episode that intensifies the conflict.
2. Manipulation of identities to create a sense of victimization.
3. Formulation of long-standing grievances.
4. Reframing conflict into a zero-sum struggle.

Question 7

What occurs during the Escalation Phase?

Answer 7

1. Identities, grievances, goals, and methods change to perpetuate conflict.
2. Polarization of identities.
3. Fighting creates new grievances and mutually exclusive goals.
4. Entrapment: Increased investment in the conflict, aiming for outright victory.

Question 8

What characterizes the Institutionalization Phase?

Answer 8

1. Creation of self-perpetuating rules for waging struggle.
2. Legitimization of conflict through internalized animosity.
3. Fighting becomes a way of life and a source of profit.

Question 9

What happens during the De-escalation and Transformation Phase?

Answer 9

1. Conflict evolves into a “dormant antagonism.”
2. Grievances gradually reduce as they are perceived as unattainable or partially obtained.
3. Support for fighting decreases as costs rise.

Question 10

What marks the Termination and Recovery Phase?

Answer 10

1. Conflict ends through internal transformation, mutually agreed settlements, or military victory.
2. Creation of new relations and collaborative problem-solving.
3. Identities and goals are no longer mutually exclusive.

Question 11

What is a case example of intractable conflict?

Answer 11

The Israel/Palestine conflict is an example, characterized by prolonged and intense conflict with deeply rooted issues of identity, territory, and mutual grievances.

Question 12

What strategies can be used against intractability?

Answer 12

1. Prevent: Proper institutional arrangements, create common identities, react to early signs of friction.
2. Interrupt: Avoid entrapment, use coercive measures (e.g., sanctions).
3. Undermine Institutionalization: Raise suspicion about continued fighting, support anti-war factions, provide information about the costs of fighting.
4. Transform: Change leadership (not always effective), mediate.