How can you identify positive change in a conflict situation?

1 Conflict Analysis Tools

Conflict analysis tools are frameworks or methods that help you understand the context, actors, issues, and relationships involved in a conflict. They can help you identify the root causes, the triggers, the interests, the needs, the positions, the power, and the potential solutions of a conflict. Some examples of conflict analysis tools are conflict mapping, conflict tree, conflict pyramid, conflict timeline, and conflict spectrum. You can use these tools to collect and organize information, to visualize and communicate the conflict situation, and to identify gaps and opportunities for intervention.

2 Conflict Mapping

Conflict mapping is a tool that helps you create a visual representation of the main actors and their relationships in a conflict. You can use symbols, shapes, colors, and lines to show who is involved, what their roles and interests are, how they relate to each other, and what their level of influence and cooperation is. Conflict mapping can help you identify the key stakeholders, the allies and opponents, the spoilers and peacemakers, the sources of tension and support, and the potential entry points for dialogue and negotiation.

3 Conflict Tree

Conflict tree is a tool that helps you analyze the causes and effects of a conflict. You can use a tree metaphor to show how the conflict is rooted in underlying factors, how it manifests in observable issues, and how it impacts the outcomes and goals of the actors. Conflict tree can help you identify the core problems, the symptoms, the consequences, and the solutions of a conflict. It can also help you prioritize the most urgent and important issues, and to address the root causes rather than the surface ones.

4 Conflict Pyramid

Conflict pyramid is a tool that helps you understand the different levels and dimensions of a conflict. You can use a pyramid shape to show how the conflict is structured from the bottom to the top, from the individual to the structural, from the personal to the political. Conflict pyramid can help you identify the attitudes, behaviors, and contradictions that shape and sustain a conflict. It can also help you explore the connections and interactions between the different levels and dimensions, and to design appropriate and effective interventions.

5 Conflict Timeline

Conflict timeline is a tool that helps you track the history and evolution of a conflict. You can use a line or a chart to show how the conflict has developed over time, what events and actions have influenced it, how it has escalated or de-escalated, and what phases and stages it has gone through. Conflict timeline can help you identify the patterns, trends, and cycles of a conflict. It can also help you anticipate the future scenarios and opportunities for change, and to learn from the past successes and failures.

6 Conflict Spectrum

Conflict spectrum is a tool that helps you measure the intensity and direction of a conflict. You can use a scale or a graph to show where the conflict stands in terms of cooperation or competition, collaboration or confrontation, integration or separation. Conflict spectrum can help you identify the current status and the desired outcome of a conflict. It can also help you assess the progress and the challenges of a conflict, and to adjust your strategies and actions accordingly.

8 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?