Peacebuilding &conflict transformation A ... - Peaceworkafrica

7. Introducing a third party with skills in dialogueThe situation is in no way hopeless even if dialogue fails at times or comes to a standstillfor a while. But it may be helpful to introduce a third party (in the form of amediator) to re‐start and sustain communication. The neutral and empathic understandingof a mediator helps both parties to the conflict to achieve a common viewof the issues and to build up trust. In this way, skilful mediation opens the door foreffective dialogue and growth in confidence. This allows the opponents to recognizeeach other as partners in conflict and consequently the readiness to find a commonsolution then grows.8. Trust and empathyDealing with conflicts requires trust. Dialogue and mediation assist in understandingthe viewpoints, compulsions, values and interests of the conflicting parties. Inthis way, common aspects and not differences become increasingly recognized bythe parties involved. This fosters readiness to accept responsibility for one’s own partin the conflict and allows trust to grow. A new relationship develops between theconflicting parties based on empathy and trust.9. Balancing out interestsConflict resolution should not be dictated by the interests of the strongest party.Solutions involving the interests of all the participants must be oriented towardsthose who have to bear the consequences. Solutions must be formulated in such away that they benefit all parties and do not form a basis for new conflicts. In idealcases, a solution is found which partially satisfies the interests of both sides. Moreover,solutions should make a contribution to reducing the structural imbalance ofpower, and it must be possible to measure them against ethnic standards.10. Intractable conflictConflict transformation is particularly necessary for intractable conflicts, wheredeep‐rooted issues fuel protracted violence.1.5 Typical behaviour in conflicts and alternativesThe following table highlights some typical behaviour when faced with a conflict 3 .The first column describes ways or standpoints that may escalate the conflict, oftenby applying pressure on the opponent. But there are always alternatives and ways tochange behaviour towards finding solutions to problems and issues. Consequently,for each item that further escalates a conflict, an alternative for ‘de‐escalation’ isgiven.1 . Tr a n s f o r m i n g c o n f l i c t s 253