Tools for Conflict Analysis - The Iceberg Model - Conflict Triangle - ABC Triangle - Power Triangle

Aug 31, 2026

A practical overview of conflict-analysis tools that shift focus from surface positions to deeper drivers. The material explains the Iceberg Model (positions vs. underlying interests), then expands on the Conflict Triangle with attitudes, behaviours, and structures and how they dynamically influence each other. It further introduces the ABC Triangle through attitudes (e.g., hatred, distrust, apathy), behaviours (including non-violence), and contradictions, followed by the Power Triangle roles and underlying emotions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryGeneral

FormatDOC

Pages5

Reading Time2 min

AccessFree to download

The Iceberg Model

The Conflict Triangle

The ABC Triangle

The Power Triangle

Underlying Emotions

TOOLS FOR CONFLICT ANALYSIS The Iceberg Model One of the classical ideas in conflict resolution is to distinguish between the positions (i.e. concrete demands) held by the parties to the conflict and their underlying interests and needs. Interests are often easier to reconcile than concrete positions, since there are usually several positions that might satisfy them. For example, two neighbours quarrel over a tree. Each neighbour takes the position that the tree is on her land (positions: "The tree is on my land." "No, the tree is on my land.") No compromise is possible, since the tree cannot be sawn in half. It turns out, however, that the interest of one neighbour is in using the fruit of the tree (Interest: "I want the fruit of the tree."), and the interest of the other is in having the shade (Interest: "I want to sit in the shade."). The positions may be irreconcilable at first, but the interests might be. New positions can be found to satisfy the interests of both parties. For more reading refer to: Burton, John. (ed.) 1990: Conflict: Human Needs Theory (vol. 2 of the Conflict Series). London: Macmillan. Fisher, Roger and Ury, William. 1981: Getting to Yes. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. The Conflict Triangle EMBED PowerPoint.Slide.8 This Conflict Triangle analyses certain basic elements often present in conflict. One way of conceptualising the relationship between these elements is a triangle with Attitudes, Behaviours and structures at the tops of the triangle. Each element influences and is influenced by the other elements. Attitudes include the parties' perceptions and misperceptions of each other and of themselves. These can be positive or negative, but conflicting parties often tend to develop demeaning stereotypes of the other. Behaviours can include cooperation or coercion, gestures signifying conciliation or hostility. Coercive behaviour might include threats, pressure of different types and violence. Co-operative behaviour could include: recognition of rights, setting up of joint (economic) projects, trust building measures, negotiations in good faith, etc. Structures refer to the political, economic, societal mechanisms, processes and institutions and history that influence the distribution and satisfaction of basic needs and interests of people. Conflict is a dynamic process in which structure, attitudes and behaviours are constantly changing and influencing one another. For more reading refer to: Galtung, Johan. 1996: Peace by Peaceful Means: Peace and Conflict, Development and Civilization. London: Sage. The ABC Triangle EMBED PowerPoint.Slide.8 The ABC triangle is fairly similar to the conflict triangle and explains attitudes and behaviours during conflict in the following way: Attitudes: • Refer to feelings of HARTRED, DISTRUST, and APATHY, the transforming potential of these attitudes is to develop feelings of EMPATHY. Behaviours: • Refer to physical and verbal violence, here the transforming potential lies in the application of especially verbal Non-violence. Contradictions: • That which differentiates the ABC Triangle form the Conflict Triangle is its focus on contradictions in conflict situations: blockages and stereotypes against which you can fight with creative thinking. In this model, every identified attitude, behaviour and/or contradiction carries a possibility for transformation, which can inspire conflict transformation. Developed by J. Galtung, Conflict Transformation by Peaceful Means The Power Triangle Persecutor Rescuer Victim Victim (Door-mat) This person has a very low self-esteem and perceives him/her self as powerless. The Victim’s language is full of negatives, dismissals and denials: “I can't … I'll fail … I don't know how … It's my fault”. S/he assumes the inability to succeed or change. A person in this role presumes that others will take the responsibility, and only feels the need to be looked after and cared for. This person feels no high expectation to live up to. R

FAQs

How does the Iceberg Model help reconcile conflict parties?

It distinguishes positions from underlying interests and needs. Because interests are often more flexible than concrete demands, the parties may discover new positions that satisfy both sides.

What are the main elements in the Conflict Triangle?

The triangle includes attitudes, behaviours, and structures. Each element influences and is influenced by the others, making conflict a dynamic process.

How do the Power Triangle roles differ in communication and behavior?

Victims express negative language and feel powerless; rescuers use placatory language but may manipulate for control; persecutors issue imperatives with blame and threats, gaining short-term results at the cost of respect and relationships.

Aug 31, 2026

Upload by Bill Black