Conflict has always been prevalent in the day to day human activities, even as far back as the time of the Bible, we can see how conflict played out in the first verse of the Bible that stated “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty”. Here we can see the unsettlement amongst the elements of nature, a very uncomfortable and unsettling atmosphere that even the Creator couldn’t be pleased with, and even after the creation of man in the Bible, we can cite how conflict played out between Man and His creator and as a result of that man suffers a lifetime punishment from generations to generations. The Bible alone can cover for thousands of documented conflicts just to prove how conflict is an indispensable feature in the human race. But for a clearer and more relatable context, we will reflect on conflicts that have occurred in modern times but first, let’s all grab the idea of what a conflict is.
When there is a clash of opposing interests, needs, values, or goals between individuals, groups, or even within oneself, it is called Conflict.
When two sides want different things and can’t both have their way at the same time, it is called Conflict. This occurs when a party perceives that another party is blocking or threatening something they care about. It is a disagreement, it is an altercation, it is a war of ego, wants, needs and desires. There are several types of conflict which explains it better and we will dive into that.
- Intrapersonal Conflict
A struggle within yourself. This is when you are tied to making a tough decision or dealing with guilt.
- Interpersonal Conflict
A clash between two or more people. This is the most common type of conflict, it is witnessed daily and it rises from arguments, misunderstandings.
- Intragroup Conflict
Disagreements within a team, group or ethnicity, this is when differing ideas among members of the same group occurs.
- Intergroup Conflict
Tensions between different groups, organizations, ethnicities. It is likened to rivalry between different departments.
- Organizational Conflict
Larger conflicts within a workplace, system or nation, likened to employee vs. management issues, tribal issues(when a certain tribe or ethnicity becomes the target of its own government for national reasons).
The advent of conflict can lead to several effects on a person, group and even society, and these are some of these effects.
- Psychological Effects of conflict spawns from stress, anxiety, or depression to the feelings of insecurity and fear, reduced concentration and decision-making ability and loss of trust in others.
- Structural Effects of conflict causes breakdown of institutions or systems (e.g., schools, healthcare), disruption of community networks and leadership, weakening of governance and law enforcement, displacement of people (refugees, migration).
- Physical Effects of conflicts are visible in Injuries and deaths, destruction of property and infrastructure, health problems due to lack of access to medical care, unsafe living conditions.
- Economic Effects are like loss of jobs and income sources, it further leads to inflation and increased cost of living, decline in trade and investment, increase in poverty and reduced national growth.
- Emotional Effects are like anger, resentment and hatred, trauma and grief from loss of loved ones, social isolation and distrust, long-term hostility between groups involved and affected.
Let’s take a quick peek into a conflict that has occurred in present times and how it has metamorphosed into something worthy of history.
The 1990–1994 CIVIL WAR IN RWANDA
It was a conflict between the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), mostly Tutsi exiles, and the Hutu-led government, culminated in the 1994 genocide, where about 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed in 100 days. The RPF, led by Paul Kagame, eventually took control, ending the genocide. However, the advent of this war led to Unity & Reconciliation, Rwanda banned ethnic politics and promoted national identity instead (“Rwandans first”). It led to better governance, strong central leadership, strict laws against hate speech, and anti-corruption measures. Helped the economy as one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, with investments in tech, tourism, and infrastructure. Their Social Progress led to Women’s participation in government which is now among the highest globally. It built them a solid Global Reputation, from a war-torn country to a model of stability and resilience in Africa.
Conflict is inevitable, it is destructive and perilous. However, we cannot overlook how it has somehow been beneficial to shaping the structure of the World, how its occurrence has brought about changes that helped in building the World you are, we are today. Just like the saying “the beginning of a war is known but the end thereof is unknown”. Who knows what the World would look like if war never occurred, if conflicts never took place. What would have been there to amend? What adjustments would have needed to take place? Or would have the World been in its most beautiful and perfect form? What about technology? The healthcare system? The cure to sicknesses both from nature and war implications, would they have been necessary or inexistent? Is conflict an absolute waste and an unneeded feature for mankind? Well the answer lies in whatever you feel the world needs but remember varying opinions about the world is also conflicting.
