This document outlines various tools that can be used for conflict analysis, including stages of conflict, timelines, actor mapping, conflict trees, and the ABC triangle. It describes how each tool can be used for both analyzing different aspects of a conflict as well as identifying opportunities for intervention. The overall purpose of conflict analysis is to better understand the context, parties, causes, and dynamics of a conflict in order to help prevent escalation and adopt conflict-sensitive practices.
2. What is conflict?
“ A relationship between two
or more interdependent
parties in which at least one
of the parties perceives the
relationship to be negative &
pursues opposing interests &
needs.
12. Stages of Conflict
To see the stages & cycles of
escalation & de-escalation of
conflict
To assess where the situation is
now
To try to predict future patterns of
escalation with the aim of
preventing these from occurring
Analysis
13. Stages of Conflict
To analyse stages from the
viewpoints of different sides or
different parts of a country in
conflict
To highlight critical points for
possible intervention
To identify the cycles & triggers to
escalating conflict
Intervention
15. Timeline
To show different views of
history in a conflict;
To clarify and understand each
side’s perception of events
To identify which events are
most important to each side.
Analysis
16. Timeline
Used as a way of helping
people to accept their own
perspective as only part of the
truth.
Can be used by the parties
themselves & shared with each
other.
Intervention
18. Actor Mapping
To represent the conflict
graphically
To place the parties in relation
to the problem and each other
To identify all the parties
directly or indirectly invloved
Analysis
19. Actor Mapping
To look for openings or new
strategies
To see where our allies or
potential allies are placed to
find our own niche
To evaluate what has been
done.
Intervention
20.
21. Conflict Tree
To stimulate discussion about
causes & effects in a conflict
To help a group to agree on
the core problem
To relate causes & effects to
each other & to the focus of
the organization
Analysis
22. Conflict Tree
To assist a group or team to
make decisions about priorities
for addressing conflict issues
To decide about which conflict
issues they should try to
address.
Intervention
23.
24. ABC Triangle
To identify these three sets of
factors for each of the major
parties
To analyse how these
influence each other
To relate these to the needs &
fears of each party
Analysis
25. ABC Triangle
To identify a starting point for
intervention in the situation
To identify what factors might
be addressed by an
intervention
To reveal how change in one
aspect might affect another.
Intervention
27. Onion
To identify the positions, interest &
needs of each party
To identify possible common areas
of divergence in the interests or
needs of parties
To build a comprehensive picture
of each parties positions, interests
and needs
Analysis
28. Onion
To prepare for mediation
To identify entry points for
joint work
To build on commonalities
Intervention