Conflict and Peace Building Solved Paper 2024 [Gauhati University BA Political Science 6th Semester]

Are you a GU BA 6th Semester Political Science student at Gauhati University preparing for the Conflict and Peace Building Paper? If yes, then you’ve landed on the right page! In this post, we’ve provided Gauhati University BA in Political Science 6th Semester: Conflict and Peace Building Solved Question Paper 2024 (CBCS).

GU BA 6th Sem. Conflict and Peace Building Solved Question Paper 2024 (CBCS) - Poltical Science

Gauhati University BA in Political Science

3rd Year, 6th Semester (CBCS)

(Skill Enhancement Course)

Paper: POL-SE-6014

Conflict and Peace Building

Year: 2024

Full Marks: 50, Time: 2 Hours

The figures in the margin indicate full marks for the questions

1. Very Short Answer Type Questions (1×4 = 4 Marks)
 Answer the following questions:

(a) What do you understand by multitrack diplomacy?
Answer: Multitrack diplomacy means using many ways or paths to solve problems between countries, not just official talks. It can include people, organizations, and even business groups.

(b) Who is the author of the book International Conflict Resolution? 

Answer: The author of the book International Conflict Resolution is Daniel Druckman.

(c) What is the full form of UNPKF?
Answer: The full form of UNPKF is United Nations Peacekeeping Force.

(d) Mention one method of conflict resolution.
Answer: One method of conflict resolution is negotiation.

2. Short Answer Type Questions (2×3 = 6 Marks)
Answer the following questions in short:

(a) Mention two weaknesses of Track-II diplomacy.
Answer:

1. It has no official power, so it may not be taken seriously.
2. It may take a long time to show results.

(b) Mention two merits of Gandhian method of conflict resolution. Answer:

1. It uses peace and non-violence to solve problems.
2. It helps build understanding and respect between people.

(c) What do you understand by ethnic conflict?
Answer: Ethnic conflict is a fight or disagreement between different ethnic or cultural groups, often over identity, land, or rights.

3. Short Notes (5×2 = 10 Marks)  Write short notes on any two of the following:

(a) Diplomacy as a means of conflict resolution
Answer: Diplomacy is the art of managing international relations and solving conflicts through peaceful talks and negotiations. It is used by representatives of countries, known as diplomats, who meet and discuss issues like war, trade, or political problems. Diplomacy avoids violence and helps in maintaining peace and cooperation among countries. It uses tools like treaties, agreements, and formal discussions to settle disagreements. In conflict resolution, diplomacy plays an important role in bringing both sides together to find a solution that is acceptable to all.

(b) Active listening
Answer: Active listening is a communication skill that involves giving full attention to the speaker, understanding their message, and responding thoughtfully. It means not just hearing the words but also understanding the feelings and meaning behind them. Active listeners do not interrupt, they make eye contact, and they ask questions to show interest. This skill is very important in resolving conflicts because it makes the other person feel heard and respected. It helps in building trust and reduces misunderstandings, which are often the cause of conflicts.

(c) Skill mediation
Answer: Skilled mediation is a method of conflict resolution where a neutral third person, called a mediator, helps two or more parties solve their problem. The mediator does not take sides or make decisions but guides the discussion in a fair and respectful way. The main skills in mediation include good communication, listening, understanding both sides, and helping them reach an agreement. Mediation is useful because it is faster and less costly than going to court. It encourages peaceful settlement and keeps relationships safe and respectful.

(d) Track-I diplomacy
Answer: Track-I diplomacy refers to official diplomatic efforts carried out by government leaders, ministers, or diplomats. It involves formal discussions between countries to solve international issues like war, border disputes, or peace agreements. This type of diplomacy is done through meetings, treaties, and official visits. Since it is led by people in power, Track-I diplomacy carries legal weight and can result in strong decisions. However, it may take time and may not always address the feelings of common people. It is often supported by other types like Track-II or multitrack diplomacy.

4. Long Answer Type Questions (10×3 = 30 Marks)
Answer any three of the following questions:

(a) What do you understand by conflict? Discuss the phases of conflict.
Answer: Conflict means a serious disagreement or argument between two or more people, groups, or countries. It can happen because of differences in opinions, needs, beliefs, or goals. Conflict is a natural part of human life and can be positive or negative, depending on how it is handled. If managed properly, conflict can bring improvement and new ideas. But if not solved, it can lead to tension, violence, or destruction.

Phases of Conflict:

1. Latent Phase:  This is the beginning stage where the cause of conflict is present, but no open disagreement has happened yet. People may have differences, but they are not clearly shown.
2. Perceived Phase:  In this phase, one or both sides start to feel that a problem exists. They begin to sense that their interests are not being met or respected.
3. Felt Phase:Emotions like anger, frustration, or fear arise. The problem becomes personal, and both sides feel stressed or unhappy about the situation.
4. Manifest Phase:  This is the stage where the conflict becomes open and visible. People argue, protest, fight, or take action to show their disagreement.
5. Conflict Resolution Phase:  In this phase, both sides try to find a solution through negotiation, discussion, or the help of a third party like a mediator. The aim is to solve the problem peacefully.
6. Post-Conflict Phase:  After the resolution, both parties move forward. If the conflict is handled well, relationships can improve. If not, the issue might come up again in the future.

Understanding these phases helps in managing conflict at the right time to avoid damage.

(b) Discuss the principles that should be followed by mediation for possible conflict resolution.
Answer:  Mediation is a method of solving conflicts with the help of a neutral third party known as a mediator. The mediator helps both sides communicate clearly and reach an agreement, but does not take sides or make decisions. For mediation to be successful, some important principles must be followed:

1. Neutrality: The mediator must be neutral and should not support any one side. Both parties should trust the mediator and feel that they are being treated fairly.
2. Voluntary Participation: Mediation should not be forced. Both parties should willingly agree to take part in the process. This helps in building a cooperative attitude.
3. Confidentiality:  All discussions during mediation must be kept private. This encourages both parties to speak freely and honestly without fear of judgment or public exposure.
4. Mutual Respect:  Both parties must be treated with equal respect. Even if they have strong disagreements, they should listen to each other’s views calmly and politely.
5. Open Communication:  The mediator should create an environment where both sides can speak openly. Active listening and asking the right questions are important to understand the real issues.
6. Problem-Solving Approach:  Mediation focuses on finding a solution that works for both sides. The aim is not to decide who is right or wrong but to find a peaceful and acceptable outcome.
7. Win-Win Solution:  A good mediation process helps both sides feel satisfied. It tries to meet the interests of both parties so that no one feels like they lost.
8. Focus on Interests, Not Positions:  The mediator helps the parties look at their real needs (interests), not just their demands (positions). This helps in reaching a deeper and more lasting solution.

By following these principles, mediation becomes an effective and peaceful method of resolving conflict without going to court or using violence.

(c) What is mediation? Discuss the process of mediation.
Answer: Mediation is a peaceful method of resolving conflict with the help of a neutral third person called a mediator. The mediator helps both parties talk, understand each other’s point of view, and find a solution. The mediator does not decide for them but only guides the discussion in a fair way. Mediation is often used in family matters, workplace problems, community disputes, and even between countries.

Process of Mediation:

1. Introduction and Opening Statement:  The mediator introduces himself/herself and explains the rules of mediation. Both parties agree to talk respectfully and honestly. The goal of the mediation is clearly explained.
2. Statement of the Problem by Each Party:  Each party gets a chance to speak without interruption. They explain their side of the story, how they feel, and what they want. The mediator listens carefully and takes notes.
3. Information Gathering and Understanding Issues:  The mediator asks questions to make sure all facts and feelings are understood. This helps in identifying the real reasons behind the conflict.
4. Identifying Common Interests and Needs:  The mediator helps both sides to find out what they have in common and where they agree. This creates a base for building understanding.
5. Generating Options for Solutions:  Both parties are encouraged to suggest different ways to solve the problem. The mediator helps them think of creative and fair solutions.
6. Negotiation and Agreement:  The mediator helps the parties choose the best option that works for both. If both agree, a written agreement may be prepared to avoid future misunderstanding.
7. Closing the Mediation:  The mediator summarizes the discussion, confirms the agreement, and ends the session on a positive note. Sometimes follow-up sessions are also planned.

Mediation is useful because it saves time, reduces stress, and helps maintain good relationships by solving problems peacefully.

(d) What is the importance of trust-building in negotiation? Discuss.
Answer: Trust-building is one of the most important parts of successful negotiation. Negotiation is the process where two or more parties discuss an issue to reach an agreement. Without trust, it is very difficult for parties to communicate honestly and work together.

Importance of Trust in Negotiation:

1. Improves Communication:  When there is trust, both parties feel safe to share their real thoughts, needs, and concerns. This helps in finding better and more lasting solutions.
2. Reduces Misunderstandings:  Trust allows people to believe each other’s words and intentions. It reduces the chances of confusion or wrong assumptions during talks.
3. Encourages Cooperation:  Trust builds a friendly and cooperative atmosphere. Both parties become more open to working together rather than fighting or blaming each other.
4. Makes Negotiation Faster:  When there is trust, there is less need for checking, proving, or doubting each other. This saves time and helps in reaching agreements quickly.
5. Builds Long-Term Relationships:  In business, politics, or personal matters, trust helps in maintaining long-term partnerships. People are more likely to work again with those they trust.
6. Increases Willingness to Compromise:  When both sides trust each other, they are more willing to adjust and find a middle path that benefits both.
7. Supports Fairness and Honesty:  Trust helps ensure that all parties behave fairly and truthfully. It reduces the need for strict rules or force.

To build trust, parties should be honest, listen actively, show respect, and keep promises. Even small efforts to understand the other person can go a long way in building trust and making the negotiation successful.

(e) Discuss the various causes of conflict.
Answer: Conflict happens when there is a serious disagreement between individuals, groups, or countries. There are many reasons why conflict can occur. Understanding the causes helps in preventing or solving conflicts in a better way.

Various Causes of Conflict:

1. Difference in Values and Beliefs:  People or groups may have different religions, cultures, or political views. When these differences are not respected or understood, it can lead to conflict.
2. Lack of Communication:  Misunderstandings or poor communication often cause conflict. When people do not talk clearly or do not listen properly, it leads to confusion and anger.
3. Competition for Resources:  Conflicts can occur when people fight over limited resources like land, water, money, power, or jobs. Each side wants more than the other.
4. Inequality and Injustice:  If one group feels they are treated unfairly or not given equal rights, they may become angry and start protesting or fighting.
5. Personal Differences:  Conflict can happen because of personal issues like jealousy, ego, or past bad experiences between individuals.
6. Social and Economic Differences:b Poor and rich people may have different lifestyles and needs. If one group is always poor or jobless while others are rich, this creates frustration and conflict.
7. Political Reasons:  Political parties or leaders may create conflicts to gain power or support. Political decisions can also lead to disagreements between countries.
8. Historical Conflicts:  Past wars or unresolved issues between communities or countries can cause long-term hatred and new conflicts in the present.
9. External Interference:  Sometimes other countries or groups interfere in a conflict to take advantage, which makes the situation worse.

Each conflict has its own cause, and often, more than one reason is involved. Identifying the real cause is the first step to finding a peaceful solution.

(f) Critically examine the role of multi track diplomacy in resolving conflict.
Answer:  Multi Track diplomacy is a method of resolving conflict by using many different levels or “tracks” of communication and cooperation. It is not limited to government actions (Track I), but includes other ways like people-to-people contact, media, education, business, and NGOs.

There are usually nine tracks in multitrack diplomacy:

1. Government
2. Professional conflict resolution
3. Business
4. Private citizens
5. Research and education
6. Activism
7. Religion
8. Funding
9. Media

Role of Multitrack Diplomacy in Conflict Resolution:

1. Wider Participation:  It allows not just politicians but also ordinary people, NGOs, religious leaders, and educators to help in solving conflicts. This gives a complete and more balanced approach.
2. Builds Trust: People feel more involved and heard. When different tracks work together, it builds trust between parties in conflict.
3. Encourages Dialogue:  Through meetings, cultural exchange, education, and community events, multitrack diplomacy opens many paths for communication and understanding.
4. Spreads Peace Culture:  Education, media, and religion can promote peace and non-violence. This helps people think positively and avoid violence.
5. Reaches Deep Rooted Issues:  Multitrack diplomacy focuses on the root causes of conflict, such as poverty, discrimination, and ignorance. It works not only on solving the present problem but also preventing future conflicts.
6. Flexible and Creative Solutions:  Different tracks bring in different ideas. This helps to find solutions that are creative, practical, and acceptable to all.

Critical View:

1. Coordination Problems: Sometimes all tracks do not work together effectively. Lack of coordination can reduce the success of the process.
2. Lack of Authority: Non-government actors may not have enough power to enforce decisions.
3. Takes More Time: Because many groups are involved, the process may be slow.
4. Not Always Trusted: Governments may not fully support or trust non-official efforts.

Conclusion: Multi Track diplomacy is a powerful tool for solving conflicts peacefully. It is more inclusive and focuses on long-term peace, not just short-term solutions. However, for it to work well, all tracks must coordinate properly and respect each other’s roles.

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