Explores the various theories related to conflict that provide a framework for understanding the causes, dynamics, and resolution of conflicts.
Conflict Theory: Conflict theory examines how social and economic factors contribute to the emergence of conflicts between individuals or groups in society.
Peace Theory: Peace theory examines the dynamics and conditions necessary for achieving and maintaining peaceful relations between individuals or groups.
Power: Power is an essential concept in conflict and peace studies. It refers to the ability to influence or control others’ behavior to achieve specific outcomes.
Violence: Violence is a phenomenon that often accompanies conflict, and understanding its sources, dynamics, and consequences is critical to promoting peace.
Conflict Management and Resolution: Conflict management and resolution refer to the processes by which conflicts are addressed or resolved, either through negotiation, mediation, or other means.
Human Rights: Human rights are considered crucial in promoting peace and justice worldwide. They embody the fundamental entitlements and protections that people are entitled to, irrespective of their social status, culture, or nationality.
International Law: International law governs the relations between states and other actors in the international system. Its primary aim is to promote peace and stability in the international system.
International Relations: International Relations is a multidisciplinary field that studies the interactions between states and other actors in the international system. It includes issues related to diplomacy, trade, conflict, and peace.
Development: Development studies examine how economic, social, and human progress can be achieved in a sustainable and equitable manner, and how development can be leveraged to promote peace.
Identity and belonging: Identity and belonging refer to the ways in which individuals and groups define themselves, their social relationships, and their sense of belonging to a particular community. Conflicts often arise due to differences in identity and belonging.
Gender and Conflict: Gender is a critical factor in conflict and peace, as conflicts and the pursuit of peace can have different impacts on women, men, and gender non-conforming individuals.
Trauma and Healing: Conflict and violence can leave deep psychological scars on individuals and communities, and healing from trauma is often critical to the process of promoting peace and reconciliation.
Realism: A theory that emphasizes power, competition, and self-interest between states as the key drivers of international conflict and cooperation.
Liberalism: A theory that emphasizes the role of international institutions, interdependence, and cooperation in fostering peace and prosperity among states.
Constructivism: A theory that emphasizes the importance of shared norms, values, and identities in shaping international interactions and conflict.
Marxism: A theory that emphasizes the role of class struggle and economic inequality in shaping conflict and cooperation between states.
Feminism: A theory that emphasizes the role of gender and patriarchy in shaping international relations and conflicts, as well as the need for gender equality and inclusion in peacebuilding efforts.
Critical Theory: A theory that emphasizes the role of power, ideology, and social norms in shaping international relations and conflict, and the need for critical inquiry and social change to address structural inequalities.
Post-Colonialism: A theory that emphasizes the role of colonialism, imperialism, and post-colonial power dynamics in shaping international relations and conflict, and the need for decolonization and empowerment of marginalized groups.
Systems Theory: A theory that emphasizes the interconnectedness of different social, economic, and political systems in shaping international relations and conflict, and the need for holistic approaches to understanding and addressing complex global challenges.
Game Theory: A theory that uses mathematical models to analyze the behavior of actors in strategic situations, such as conflict and cooperation between states.
Human Security: A theory that emphasizes the importance of protecting individual well-being and human dignity as a key goal of international peace and security, and the need for a human-centered approach to conflict resolution and peacebuilding.