Your task
Construct a map of a conflict of your choice (this can range from an interpersonal to an international conflict). What are the strengths and weaknesses of this type of analysis? What problems did you encounter when constructing the map?
3 Levels of analysis – pyramid tool
This tool helps you to classify the parties to the conflict you have already identified, using a pyramid diagram (Lederach 1997). Lederach divides them into levels, which he calls top, middle, and grass-roots levels, depending on their perceived ‘influence’ and activity in the conflict.
Method
You will need a large piece of paper and different coloured pens.
Refer back to the conflict map where you identified the actors.
Place each of the key actors/parties in one of the three levels.
Think about the linkages between the parties, both within each level (horizontal) and between the levels (vertical).
Your task
Think of a conflict (this can range from an interpersonal to an international conflict). Allocate each of the parties to one of the three levels described by Lederach.
Did you find it easy to allocate the conflict parties? Did you need to identify other level(s), not identified by Lederach, in which to put them? Can you identify people or organizations in the conflict situation who might be able to work at all levels, or link the levels? Is there a role for third parties to help with these linkages?