- Presentation
- Conflict
- The role of the University
- Programmes and Activities
- Dissemination Programme
- Training Programme
- Research Programme
- Coordination Programme
- Activities
- Departments and Management
- Departments
- Management
- Members of the ICR
Conflicts have occupied and continue to occupy a prominent place in our society. For some there is a positive aspect to a conflict arising in the sense that this generates change, while for others this is looked upon as something negative which necessitates the development of resources and of individual and collective human capabilities (to deal with the situation). Whatever which way, there appears to be common ground on need to overcome the conflict, something which perhaps is connected with the costs that conflicts incur.
In this context, three areas of analysis have acquired a preponderant role. Firstly, research work focussed on the prevention of conflicts, that is to say, research which aims to establish some type of prespective as and when conflicts arise. Secondly, the administration of conflicts has been researched, especially in terms of what controls the escalation of the intensity of the conflicts. Thirdly, research work has also concentrated on establishing models to adopt for the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Over the course of time and with this type of knowledge becoming increasingly more refined and specialised, the figure of the conflict operator has emerged as an expert with multi-disciplinary training, working within the three fields mentioned, in diverse areas of both public and private sectors, carrying out their function through the design and execution of programmes for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts. The primary advantages offered by these types of programmes are:
- In the ambit of prevention, they bring about the possibility of avoiding the development of conflicts on the basis of early intervention or by controlling the manner in which these develop.
- In the ambit of management, they make it possible to channel conflicts by controlling costs that would imply an escalation of the situation or which would lead the conflict along the path towards a potential solution.
- In the ambit of resolution, they enable the establishment of long lasting agreements and maintain relations that exist between the parties involved in the conflict.