GST 202 Fundamentals of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Notes: Meaning of Conflict

Description

This study material examines the fundamental definitions, dimensions, and etymological origins of conflict within human society. It traces the concept back to its Latin roots and discusses how conflict manifests across interpersonal, communal, and international levels. The text highlights various scholarly perspectives on adversarial relationships, goal incompatibility, and competition over scarce resources. Finally, it analyzes how different structural interests diverge, presenting conflict as both a dangerous systemic risk and an opportunistic catalyst for creative change.