Merging Ethiopian Wise-Counsel Mediation and Facilitative ...

III.9.1 Introduction to Friedrich Glasl's Nine Stages of Conflict Escalation 4949 Glasl, F. (1998).123456781. HardeningConflicts begin with the occasional collision of opinions not being noticed as conflict. Over time, opinions becomemore and more extreme, signifying deeper causes. At this stage, there is still a chance to find solutions by talking toeach other.2. Debate and PolemicsThe diverse opinions lead to controversy. One party wants to pressure the other. In order to convince each other awayfrom each other’s arguments, the parties debate and look for support.3. Actions not WordsThe conflict parties increase the pressure onto each other to try to have their own argument accepted. Discussions arebroken off. No more communication takes place, the conflict is intensified and there is a danger of misinterpretation.4. Images, CoalitionsStereotype images appear which no longer concern the issue of the debate. Parties look for sympathisers, put upobstructions and start rumours in order to win the conflict.5. Moral Loss of FaceThe opponent’s identity is to be destroyed. Loss of face in this sense means loss of moral reliability.6. Strategies of ThreatThe conflict parties try to control the situation using threats. One party demands something which the other party willreject almost immediately, intensifying the conflict to an explosive state.7. Limited DestructionThe opponent is no longer regarded as human. He/she will be cheated and harmed by all means; even limited personaldamage will be accepted as long as the other party is harmed to a greater extent. A total reversion of values ensues.8. FragmentationThe aim is to disband and devastate the opponent. Destroying vital organs of the system leads to ungovernable situationsaimed at the total physical, psychic and/or social demolition.9. Together into the AbyssTotal confrontation with no way back. In order to defeat the opponent, even self-destruction is being calculated andaccepted. The deletion of the other gives a certain pleasure, even if it leads to an unbearable situation.78 Mediation Trainer’s Manual