Conflict Escalation - Preventing Conflict Escalation

Preventing Conflict Escalation

A major focus of peace and conflict theory is concerned with curbing conflict escalation or creating a mindset to avoid such conflict in future, and instead engaging in peacemaking. Much nonviolent conflict resolution, however, involves conflict escalation in the form of protests, strikes, or other direct actions.

Mohandas Gandhi, a major theorist of nonviolence, used satyagraha to demonstrate that:

• Peacefully controlling a group of people with a common cause was possible.
• One could accomplish objectives through solidarity without capitulating to violent attack.
• His method ensured mutual support.
• It was possible to desist from retributive justice.
• It was not ultimately desirable to inflict punishment, even when grievously wronged.

With this method of escalation, Gandhi avoided technological escalation and demonstrated to those in power that:

• The group was held together by its own discipline, and not by any kind of authority using violence.
• Authority could surrender without being subjected to violence.
• Authority could depart safely.
• Authority could devolve without obstacles, for the dissent was well enough organized to constitute an effective political party