(i) Conflict and Its Resolution
Introduction
Conflict is a disagreement or clash between individuals, groups, or nations due to differences in ideologies, interests, resources, or values. It can be social, political, economic, religious, or military. While conflicts are natural in human interactions, their resolution is essential for maintaining peace, justice, and progress.
A. Types of Conflict
- Interpersonal Conflict – Disputes between individuals due to personal differences.
- Social Conflict – Arises from class, caste, or racial inequalities.
- Political Conflict – Struggle for power or governance issues.
- International Conflict – Wars, territorial disputes, and diplomatic disagreements.
B. Conflict Resolution Methods
1. Dialogue and Negotiation
- Conflicting parties discuss their concerns peacefully to reach a mutual agreement.
- Example: The Camp David Accords (1978) led to peace between Israel and Egypt.
2. Mediation and Arbitration
- A neutral third party helps resolve the conflict.
- Example: The United Nations mediates international disputes, such as the Israel-Palestine conflict.
3. Nonviolent Resistance
- People protest peacefully against injustice rather than using violence.
- Example: Gandhi’s Satyagraha movement was a nonviolent struggle against British rule.
4. Legal and Institutional Resolutions
- Courts and international bodies settle disputes through laws.
- Example: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) resolves disputes between nations.
C. Importance of Conflict Resolution
- Prevents violence, war, and destruction.
- Promotes social harmony and stability.
- Ensures justice and human rights.
Conclusion
Conflict resolution through dialogue, nonviolence, and legal frameworks is essential for peaceful coexistence and sustainable development.
(ii) State, Obligation, and Civil Disobedience
Introduction
The state is a political institution that governs a community through laws, policies, and enforcement mechanisms. Citizens have obligations to follow the laws of the state, but when a state becomes unjust or oppressive, people have the right to engage in civil disobedience—peacefully refusing to follow unjust laws.
A. Role of the State and Citizens’ Obligations
- State’s Functions:
- Ensures law and order.
- Provides welfare and development.
- Protects citizens’ rights.
- Citizens’ Obligations:
- Obey just laws.
- Participate in democracy.
- Pay taxes and contribute to society.
B. Concept of Civil Disobedience
1. Definition
- Civil disobedience is a nonviolent form of protest where people refuse to follow laws they believe are unjust.
2. Gandhi’s View on Civil Disobedience
- Gandhi saw civil disobedience as a moral duty when the government enforces oppressive or unethical laws.
- He believed in peaceful resistance rather than violent rebellion.
- Example:
- Salt March (1930) – A peaceful protest against British-imposed salt taxes.
3. Modern Examples of Civil Disobedience
- Martin Luther King Jr.’s Civil Rights Movement (USA, 1960s) – Protested racial segregation through nonviolent civil disobedience.
- Anti-Apartheid Movement (South Africa) – Nelson Mandela and others resisted racist laws.
C. When is Civil Disobedience Justified?
- When laws violate human rights and democracy.
- When nonviolent protest is the only way to bring change.
- When it aims for justice, equality, and ethical governance.
D. Challenges and Criticism of Civil Disobedience
- Governments may suppress protests through arrests and violence.
- Some believe it weakens state authority and creates chaos.
Conclusion
Civil disobedience is a powerful tool for justice, used when states become oppressive or undemocratic. It must be guided by nonviolence, ethics, and the greater good of society.
Final Thoughts
Both conflict resolution and civil disobedience focus on peaceful ways of addressing injustice and power struggles. While conflict resolution seeks dialogue and negotiation, civil disobedience is used when governments fail to uphold justice. Both remain relevant tools for social and political change in modern societies.
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