A conflict resolution analysis applied to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Abstract

As the title suggests my dissertation will be a detailed analyses of conflict resolution, including a study of the theories and methods of peacemaking options. Throughout history, international relations have been transformed, thus inevitably the global defence and peace-making resolutions have changed enormously, especially since the end of the Cold War. The sources and types of conflict have become more diverse and less predictable. Moreover the future demands and constraints created by the nature of security itself are also changing on a global basis. The security agenda has been altered, thus in such a process it has moulded theories and methods of conflict resolution. The causes of war and the building and the maintaining of peace are complex processes. Moreover, peace processes can be spoilt at different phases. ln fact the blemishing of peace building can also be seen as part of the resolution process, as much as conflict can result in social and political change. ln my study, l will therefore first delve into the analyses of conflict resolution theories and methods. Since the thesis will focus on answering questions such as when war ends, how should victors treat the defeated in order to promote an enduring peace? The chapter will analyse all possible peacemaking resolutions, from bilateral negotiations, or through a third party intermediary to reach settlement, to amicable conflict resolutions with the means of mediation, arbitration and/or adjudication. "lf [an] issue is not resolved, the conflict may fester, becoming a chronic source of discord before ultimately being settled or turning more violent. Alternatively the conflict of interest may rapidly escalate to a serious dispute involving the threat display or use of military force." Thus l will follow by studying how militarised disputes can be resolved, fester for generations and/or escalate to war. lt will also have sections about the traditional theories' perspective on conflict resolution (Liberalism and Realism, and will also mention Neo Liberal and Neo Realism) and will include ideas of major theorists, such as Morgenthau. Then l will move on to approaches to war termination and peacemaking options such as punitive peace and lenient peace. Consequentially the study will also analyse the International conditions and problem definition.Then l will use such information to analyse the case study of the lsraeli-Palestinian Conflict. Therefore the second chapter will be a historical analysis of the conflict between Israel andthe Palestinian Authority. This historical study will evaluate the historical legacy which created the strong divisive issues between the two countries. The chapter will be structured into a breakdown of all the major events in history, starting from the conflict and war thatbroke out in 1948 and continue to examine the following history. Palestine was conquered and inhabited by Arabs for over a thousand years.