Demokratija i konflikt
Democracy and conflict

Author(s): Tanja Tankosić-Kelly
Subject(s): Political Theory, Government/Political systems, Sociology of Politics
Published by: Centar za građansko obrazovanje (CGO)
Keywords: democracy; conflict; society; dimensions of democracy;
Summary/Abstract: Relationship between democracy and conflict has manifold meaning. Sometimes we understand democracy surrounding as conflict proof, space and environment that doesn’t include conflict as a part of life. Conflict is seen as something that is worth avoiding, something that usually considers certain unpleasantness. However, basis for the democracy are existing differences amongst all participants in a society and, what is even more important, recognitions of existing differences. Democracy environment allows all differences to come to the surface, without necessarily including violence in conflict situations. This relationship is seen through two dimensions; democracy is providing legal field for all differences to be opposed and opposition in democracy should be safe and free. What democracy should offer is a safe field which would discourage violence. From that point of view, it is safe and acceptable to see conflict as a part of everyday life, which allows for new ideas to be heard. On the other hand, conflict itself has to be fully comprehensible. Every conflict has particular roots and reasons. Many of those are of individual nature and include human aspects. Some of the causes of the conflict lead to violent escalation no matter how much differences between sides are natural. Models of conflict management also play an important role. What model would be used in what situation depends on nature of the conflict, but also on cultural differences which are usually neglected. No model is perfect solution in every situation nor any of them can provide total satisfaction. Democracy environment gives better chances for parties involved in conflict but it isn’t a guarantee for absolute conflict resolution.

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