Peacebuilding &conflict transformation A ... - Peaceworkafrica

6.3.1 From unmet needs to crisis – three levels of escalation1st level...lead toconflicts2nd levelunsolvedconflicts...3rd level...lead tocrisisunmetneeds...lead toproblemsunsolvedproblems...The model according to Julio Quan highlights the main changes if no solutions arefound at different levels to prevent a conflict from broadening, widening and intensifying.He starts with the frustration of needs leading to problems and continues ateach level by stating what might happen if no solution is found. If there is no fruitfulintervention, the issue of unmet needs will finally end in the 3rd and last level — thecrisis.This simplified model highlights clearly that interventions are possible on eachof the three levels of escalation; that there are always possibilities to stop the escalatingdynamic of a conflict 38 .6.3.2 From discussion to destruction – four stages of escalationThis model describes four stages of how conflicts can escalate:Discussion stage▶ The parties to the conflict disagree over issues, discuss them directlywith each other.▶ All parties involved are close enough and ready to dialogue and worktogether.Polarization stage▶ The parties have started to put distance between each other.▶ Communication is becoming more indirect, for example, usinga third party to transmit information or writing to each other.▶ Communication is increasingly a matter of interpretation rather thanfacts. A gradual loss of distinction between issues and people develops:166 V. V I O L E N C E