Tools for Analysing Social Conflict: Concepts and Theories

This paper develops a conceptual and analytical framework for the study of internal social conflicts. It defines internal social conflicts as political, economic and socio-cultural wars which occur within states and largely between identity groups. The prevalence of internal wars especially in third world countries points to the need to understand and include concepts such as governance, ethnicity, multiculturalism, and resource competition in conflict analysis. The aim of this paper is to develop an updated analytical model for analysing internal social conflicts by utilising the tools of Conflict Analysis and Resolution and synthesising theories such as Protracted Social Conflict theory, with other relevant theories. Generally, this model will aid in further research into different aspects of understanding and solving internal conflicts, and specifically in studying the role and relevance of traditional institutions of governance as actors in conflict management.