Human race is engaged in conflict, aggression, warfare, and violence seemingly equate with the human condition since the early days of civilisation. Equally, humans have sought, as long as there has been conflict, to handle conflict effectively by containing or mitigating its negative consequences. This course is an effort to understand some of the major theoretical perspectives of conflict management, conflict transformation and conflict resolution. Since these concepts are very important for our comprehensive understanding that how we can minimize the level and structures of conflicts and to create new avenues of cooperation and compatibility. Conflict management involves the control, but not resolution, of a long-term or deep-rooted conflict. This is the approach taken when complete resolution seems to be impossible, yet something needs to be done. In cases of resolution-resistant or even intractable conflict, it is possible to manage the situation in ways that make it more constructive.  Conflict transformation is different from the other two, because it reflects a better understanding of the nature of conflict itself. Conflict transformation is also a prescriptive concept. It suggests that the destructive consequences of a conflict can be transformed so that self-images, relationships, and social structures improve as the consequence of conflict, instead of being harmed by it. Usually, this involves transforming perceptions of issues, actions, and other people or groups. In this course we will try to learn the nuances of abovementioned three broad concepts through western as well as Non-western throries, perspectives and approaches.

Course layout

Books and references

IGNOU Study Material at www.egyankosh.ac.in

1994 UNDP Human Development Report

Instructor bio

Dr. Satish Kumar

Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi

Dr. Satish Kumar is a Professor in Faculty of Political Science, School of Social Sciences, IGNOU, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi since January 01, 2021. He had started his academic career as an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science, MMH College, Ghaziabad affiliated to Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut. He had also worked as Associate Professor in the Centre for International Relations, Central University of Jharkhand, Ranchi. He served as professor and was the Head of Department of Political Science at the Central University of Haryana, Mahendergarh. He pursued his academic research in higher studies viz. MA, MPhil and Ph.D. in International Relations from School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

 Prof. Kumar’s major fields of academic interest are International Relations and Area Studies – Politics, Society and culture of South Asia, Central Asia, Indo-Pacific and South East Asia. India’s Foreign Policy, India’s bilateral Relations with other countries, International and regional Organizations, National Defence, Security and Strategic Studies, Globalization, Gandhi and Peace studies, Conflict Resolution, Government & Politics of India, Non-Government Organization and Civil Society,  Environment and Sustainable Development.

He is a prolific writer and published more than three thousands articles in national dailies (Hindi & English both) in the above-mentioned fields on contextual and concurrent issues. He has written 04 books (Solo & Edited) and 26 research articles to his credit, published in reputed national and international peer-reviewed journals. Under his able guidance and supervision, 10 MPhil and 05 PhD Research Scholars had submitted their theses and were conferred their degrees. He has also been a member of the Editorial Boards of national journals. He has delivered more than 25 invited lectures in different universities across the country. He participates as Panelist for different Electronic Media: Lok Sabha TV, Doordarshan, Republic Bharat, India News, TV-18 and others. His research articles and chapters in edited volumes have appeared in many collections as well as internationally reputed journals.

Summary