Conflict Analysis Tools

Once we have decided that the situation we are dealing with is a conflict, we need to decide on the system boundaries. What actors and factors do we want to focus on, which ones shall we leave out for the moment? One can focus on various “systems”. Every conflict is a sub-system in a larger system – its context (or super-system). A conflict in one sub-system may only be a symptom of a conflict located in the “context” of a larger system. Domestic violence, for example, may be part of a conflict between two land-use systems, which is embedded in an ethnopolitical conflict in one country, which in its turn is affected by different international policies dealing with economic trade. A conflict is often enacted at a system’s weakest point, not necessarily where it is caused. Thus whenever using conflict analysis, we must consider the system boundaries we have set, and reflect on how they relate to the environment the conflict is embedded in. Depending on where we set the boundaries, the conflict will present itself differently. The boundaries have to be revised periodically, to make sure we are working where we have the best leverage. After setting the conflict system boundaries, we can use one or more of the following tools to deepen our insight onto various aspects of the conflict.
HOW TO USE THE CONFLICT ANALYSIS TOOLS
All the conflict analysis tools are structured in the same way: 1) description of the tool, 2) aim of the tool, and 3) step by step instructions on how to use the tool. The tools can be categorized according to their focus on dynamics, actors, causation, structures, issues and options/strategies. The Conflict Wheel summarizes all the tools and helps you decide which tool to use for which aspect.
This guide was created by SDC (SWISS AGENCY FOR DEVELOPMENT AND COOPERATION)