Introduction

For many (and especially the news media), conflict is the main element of “foreign relations”. It is what gets attention. Although the common focus in situations of international conflict tends to be on such factors as resources, power, and/or identity, such conflict can best be viewed as a crisis in human interaction. For this reason, the study of international relations can benefit from greater focus on interactions as they unfold between and among individuals, groups, and/or nation states.

The definition of conflict as “a crisis in human interaction” derives from the work of the Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation, whose theory of conflict goes beyond a more narrow focus on satisfying competing needs, leveraging power, or exercising legal rights.

According to this theory, two key elements shape and influence the quality of human interaction — empowerment and recognition. Empowerment refers to the extent to which individuals or groups have influence, clarity, resources, or choices available to them. Recognition speaks to the experience of being heard, listened to, understood, and included in the process of change. Where interaction between parties provides opportunities for empowerment and recognition, positive shifts in the interaction can be expected. Where either empowerment or recognition opportunities are limited or denied altogether, a negative shift in the interaction usually results.

The following set of video clips presents specific examples and discussions relating to shifting dynamics of interaction. As your students watch, they should look for situations in which empowerment and recognition have been supported or denied. How is the interaction impacted between and among parties in conflict?