It’s no secret that countries and differing groups of people can’t always get along. From wars to trade embargos and other conflicts, the world is a place that’s just too diverse and too varied to be without conflict. However, just because conflict will always exist in the world does not mean it can not be controlled in a positive way. With international conflict resolution, not only can countries begin to address the problems they have amongst themselves, but they can also begin to seek solutions that benefit everyone involved.
Why Conflict Happens
The truth is that each country and any other smaller grouping in the world has its own agenda and own needs. These pieces of the world want to do certain things for certain reasons. As a result, their reasons may not always make sense to others. Sometimes the reasons are spiritual, sometimes they are religious, and other times, the reasons are simply chosen for the particular time in which a particular event is taking place. No matter the reason, it is these reasons which cause conflict. Too often, varying countries either don’t know the reasoning of the country with which they are in conflict, or the countries don’t take the time to understand what’s upsetting others. As a result, there can be misunderstanding and a bit of pride that gets in the way of a peaceful solution. No country or group wants to look as though they are the weaker one, so they maintain their ground, seeking only to ‘win’ and not to compromise with others.
Navigating International Needs
The real trick to international conflict resolution is finding out what each country actually needs and wants. This requires getting heads of state or other governing heads into the same room in order to talk about what they need from each other. Thankfully, many countries are open to these sorts of meetings, but this is not the case with all of the situations that may arise. Some countries will simply want what they want, regardless of how it might affect others. But in order to begin a process of international conflict resolution, both sides need to be willing to learn about the needs of the others. After all, without learning what the other side wants, how can you decide whether you can work with them instead of against them?
Can Anyone Ever Win?
The main concern with international conflict resolution is that if it works the way it is meant to, no side will completely win on an issue. There always needs to be some measure of compromise, except for cases in which civilian lives are at stake. This can present a basic trouble for those who are involved in a conflict. Since one side may refuse to see the other side’s viewpoint, the only way seen to handle the issues is violence. After all, killing the other side is one way to make sure your side gets what they want. However, killing just promotes even more ill feelings between countries, so that’s why international conflict resolution is becoming the preferred away to starting negotiations between countries.
The Broader Picture
With international conflict resolution, the world can work within a more positive model of addressing problems. When an issue arises, countries can sit down and talk about the problems instead of fighting over them. Perhaps the mere fact that each side is even willing to talk about an issue is enough to calm the sides down enough to avoid violence. The main purpose of international conflict resolution is to create a system in which talking and working together become the norm of the process of peace and of international communication. In creating this process, the groundwork can be laid for future generations to also follow this model of communication and interactions. Perhaps in the future, the only way of dealing with issues will be to turn to international conflict resolution instead of turning to fighting and other acts of violence.
The People Who Change the World
If you are interested in international conflict resolution, you might want to look to the government to see how you can play a part. Often, you might be a part of a committee or a part of the Senate or House of Representations that can help to make changes in laws as a way to begin the conflict resolution process. Or you might want to work as a separate entity, a go between to help different parts of government begin to work with each other.
A Solution for Peace
World peace is something much of the world strives to create. Not only will this allow the countries to interact in a more positive manner, but it will also allow the world to work within a sense of being a supportive community. When countries work against each other, little can be done. But when countries decide to see what the other person can offer in addition to what they can offer, that’s when peace can begin.