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Module 2 - Theories and Concepts

Theories and Concepts in the Study of Conflicts

Introduction: The role of theories in the study of conflicts

For every form of scientific research, a theoretical construct is needed that forms the basis of the analyses. Conflict studies are no exception in that regard. The philosopher Karl Popper defined a theory as follows: "Nets cast to catch what we call ‚the world:‘ to rationalize, to explain, and to master it“[1].

This eLearning module shall provide an overview over different theoretical approaches to conflict analysis. It also outlines the main methods used in this field of study and seeks to show, how to choose a fitting theory to study a certain phenomenon. 

For conflict analysis, theories play various roles and refer to different phases of a conflict. They can address the causes for a conflict, the mediation process or the prevention of a conflict. Therefore, we can distinguish between two different kinds of theory: theories of conflict and theories of conflict management. 

Conflict theories

Theories of conflict management

Conflict theories are dealing with two aspects: why and how does a conflict escalate and what are the root causes of the conflict? 

Theories of conflict management, in turn, address the management of a conflict. Hence, they ask: how can we manage a conflict and solve it in a sustainable way? These theories put to the fore the effectivenes of instruments of conflict management and the transformation of a conflict. 

These two kinds of theories overlap in several aspects. On the one hand, a successful conflict management always builds upon theoretically grounded analyses of the root causes of a conflict and the conflict dynamics. Moreover, the effectiveness of interventions depends on the structure of a conflict. It makes a difference, if it is an inter-group conflict, a systemic conflict or a conflict between states. It also makes a difference whether a conflict arises from differences between certain groups or whether the conflict is resource-based. All these aspects can be addressed through a theory-guided conflict analysis that builds the foundation for a successful conflict management. [2]

There is nothing more practical than a good theory (Kurt Lewin).[3]

Main approaches to conflict analysis

We can differentiate between three different methodological approaches. 
  1. Collaborative approaches seek to carry out a conflict analysis together with the conflict parties. Scientists thereby engage in dialogue with the conflict parties. Conflict analysis and conflict management go hand in hand. Theories remain implicit and a practical epistemological interest is present in that the conflict shall be understood and explained with the aim to manage and solve it. 
  2. Problem-oriented approaches rather aim at direct interventions and ask the question of how external actors can intervene into the conflict to manage it constructively. These approaches have a strong political motivation and are often used by NGOs. Theories are applied in a case-based manner and, similar to collaborative approaches, a practical epistemological interest is present. 
  3. Research-oriented theory-based approaches are at the core of this eLearning platform. These approaches work with theoretically deducted hypotheses and a theoretical epistemological interest is present. Hence, the aim is not to intervene into a conflict or to manage it but rather to understand and explain the conflict dynamics. 
To conclude, it can be said that all approaches to conflict analysis use theories in some way. Not all analyses are theory-based but all approaches make use of theoretical assumptions! 

Why use theories for conflict analysis?

Theories are used for conflict analysis for four main aims.
  1. First, they serve the generalizability and enable to use hypotheses from literature as a starting point for the analysis. 
  2. Second, they enable a transparent formulation of epistemological and normative principles. That means that via the use of a certain theory, researchers can explain the epistemological and normative foundations that guide their analyses.
  3. Third, theories help to understand and explain social processes. Two approaches can be distinguished in that regard. On the one hand, positivist approaches of conflict analysis put to the fore causal explanations of observed phenomena (i.e. the causal link between financing armed groups and the likelihood for rebellion). On the other hand, interpretative approaches focus on the reconstruction of meaning and interpretation of conflicts. For instance, ideological world views of the conflict parties are revelant for this approach. 
  4. Finally, theories help to reflect one's own epistemological interest. Three kinds of epistemological interests can be differentiated. First, the technical epistemological interest that focuses on finding solutions for problems and is based on an empirical-analytical understanding of science. Second, the practical epistemological interest that circles around understanding and is based on a historical-hermeneutical understanding of science. And finally, the emancipatory epistemological interest that deals with changes in society and structural conditions and is based on a critical understanding of science.[4]

Theories provide terms that organize the perception of reality and guide the individual investigation steps as well as the interpretation of the results (Maria Löblich).[5]

Possible classification of theories

Theories can thus be classified along the following criteria:
  • order vs. conflict
  • scope/range
  • descriptive/analytical vs. critical/normative
  • levels (micro, meso, macro)
  • agency vs. structure
  • positivist vs. constructivist 
The latter classification (positivist vs. constructivist) is the most important for analyses of conflict as it makes a difference in how the world is seen. While positivist theories approach reality by empirical research, constructivist theories denote that reality does not really exist or is inaccessible because there is not the one reality. Instead, constructivism posits that reality can be socially constructed and that each and every individual has a different understanding of reality. 

How to find a "good" theory for your analysis

How to find a "good" and suitable theory for an analysis is probably the most difficult question for any researcher. The answer to this question cannot be found within the conflict that shall be analyzed itself. Instead, a scientific discourse and context are necessary. Basically, there are three ways for finding a "good" theory. The first option is to proceed in a deductive manner. That means that the theory defines the analytical perspective of the researcher and a theory is chosen on the basis of a certain analytical perspective and epistemological interest. The second option is to define hypotheses based on the state of the art because there is not one single theory for the research question at hand. The third option is the so-called Grounded Theory Approach. Here, the conflict analysis served the purpose to build a theory from scratch. 

[1] Popper, Karl (2005): The Logic of Scientific Discovery. Taylor & Francis e-Library. Availabe online: http://strangebeautiful.com/other-texts/popper-logic-scientific-discovery.pdf, last accessed 16 August 2021, p. 37f.
[2] Bonacker, Thorsten (ed.) (2015): Sozialwissenschaftliche Konflikttheorien: Eine Einführung (3rd ed.). Springer Verlag.
[3] Lewin, Kurt (1951): Field theory in social science: Selected theoretical papers. New York, NY: Harper & Row
[4] Bonacker Thorsten et al. (1996): Begriffe der Friedens- und Konfliktforschung: Konflikt, Gewalt, Krieg, Frieden. In: Imbusch P., Zoll R. (eds) Friedens- und Konfliktforschung. Friedens- und Konfliktforschung, vol 1. VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften, Wiesbaden.
[5] translated from Löblich, Maria (2016): Theoriegeleitete Forschung in der Kommunikationswissenschaft, in: Averbeck-Lietz, Stefanie / Meyen, Michael (ed.): Handbuch nicht standardisierte Methoden in der Kommunikationswissenschaft, Wiesbaden: Springer Fachmedien, p. 67.


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