Analyze a Case

Conflict Mapping Mapping is an approach to analyzing a conflict situation. You represent the conflict on paper, placing the parties in relation to the problem, and conveying the relations between them. To map a situation:

1. Decide what you want to map, when, and from what point of view. It is useful to map the same situation from a variety of viewpoints, as this is how the parties to it actually do experience it. Remember – perception is key. It is also a good idea to reflect over whether those who hold this view would actually accept our description. Hint: Map both the seen and unseen parts of the conflict. Think about the conflict in terms of the ABC model. What behaviors under the surface might have led to this conflict?

2. It is always useful to map perceptions, needs, or fears. Remember, there is a difference between the three. This gives us greater insight into what motivates different parties. It may help to explain some of the misunderstandings and misperceptions between parties. Again, it is useful to reflect over whether the parties would agree with the needs, fears, or perceptions you ascribe to them.

3. Place yourself on the map. Putting ourselves on the map is a good reminder that we are part of the situation, not above it, even when we analyze it.

4. Mapping is dynamic -- it reflects a changing situation, and points toward action. This kind of analysis should offer new possibilities. What can be done? Who can best do it? When is the best moment? What groundwork needs to be laid beforehand, what structures built afterward?

You should construct your map in a way most helpful to you. Some people do better with a

visual depiction of the conflict, while others do better with columns, bullets, or paragraphs

separated into sections. The most important thing to remember is this is a tool for you to

understand the conflict from multiple perspectives in order to help all parties involved achieve

successful resolution.

The method described here is adapted from the non-governmental organization Responding to Conflict (RTC),

headquartered in Birmingham, UK. For additional guidance on building a helpful conflict map, see the following

source:

Wehr, Paul. "Conflict Mapping." Beyond Intractability. Eds. Guy Burgess and Heidi Burgess. Conflict Information

Consortium, University of Colorado, Boulder. Posted: September 2006

<http://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/conflict-mapping>.