Paradigms in conflict

the strategist, the conflict researcher and the peace researcher

pp. 71-98

in: John Burton, Frank Dukes (eds), Conflict: readings in management and resolution, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan, 1990

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to compare three approaches to conflict, those of the 'strategist," the "conflict researcher" and the "peace researcher." Strategic studies, our starting point, are usually seen exclusively within the framework of power politics and the manipulation of threat systems. This approach to conflict is clearly of great importance, especially as it is the one most frequently adopted by decision makers. It is not, however, the only possible approach, and the lineage of each of the three approaches can be traced back to antiquity.