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Spatial dimensions of conflict

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Abstract

Conflict is basically a struggle for the control of space. It may unfold in controlled fashion, ie within an institutional framework, or out of control, with the institutional framework itself at stake. Conflict can also be regarded as a quest for order, as the goal of both parties is invariably that of establishing order to their own advantage. A number of conflict models, conceptualised through systems analysis, is presented. Most of them revolve around the concept of imbalance multiplier. A number of scenarios of conditions paving the way to conflict (in a traditional society, in an industrialising one, in a highly developed one) are considered. More scenarios are envisaged for the conflict resolution (in the case of a strong élite, or of a weak one, or in the case whereby an internal conflict breaks out externally). A simple model of controlled conflict is also presented. These models are a part of a larger theory of development, an early draft of which was published as Paper No. 10 of the Southampton Discussion Papers in 1981. The models have already been applied, or are being applied, to several case studies.

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Biagini, E. Spatial dimensions of conflict. GeoJournal 31, 119–128 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00808684

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