Conflict resolution seeks to resolve an issue people are fighting about. But often after one argument or war ends, another one happens. That's because there are deeper structural problems between the people or groups that haven't been addressed. Conflict transformation seeks to resolve the issue at hand, but also works to change the underlying causes that continue leading people into a fight.
Peace Studies instructor John Filson explains the main differences between conflict resolution and conflict transformation, and offers two main takeaways: First, we have to think differently about conflicts we see. The fighting is just a symptom of deeper structural problems in the relationship between the parties, such as unresolved grievances or sense of injustice. Second, it's the violent responses to conflict that causes harm and destruction, but conflict by itself isn't always bad. It's an opportunity to uncover and address deeper-rooted issues that need to be resolved.
