PAPER ON “CONSENSUS: A CHALLENGE FOR CONFLICT PREVENTION?” B

Conflict occurs normally and continually in human society. It is not always violent, and it may not even be a problem. It is one means through which we express our diversity or bring about change. When conflict in society is properly managed and transformed, it may even help produce growth. On the other hand, when opposing groups do not have the skills to keep the conflict in check, and where other factors such as injustice, …

…to get support for locally driven actions. This moves away from the current 'alarm bell, 'big bang' focus which ignores smaller conflicts and 'incipient factors, whether they are “static and structural or dynamic”, that may already be helping on the ground to stop emerging violence and prevent it from going any further. Knowing such factors, can lay the basis for third party preventive 'peace building' actions that are activated in support of local constructive trends'.