Conflict Resolution Theory and its Application to Guatemala’s Socio-Political Context

Abstract

Like any theory, conflict resolution theory is merely an analytical tool whose usefulness (or lack of such) is revealed when applied to a specific concrete situation. If the concepts explain actual phenomena, the theory sheds light on reality, and the social and political processes are better understood; the theory can even be useful in formulating a course of political action or in suggesting to the political actors a certain direction for their decisions, much as scientific investigators accept a ‘normative’ focus for their work. This latter, however, is fraught with danger. Often theories become immutable dogmas, complete with infallible ‘recipes’ to be applied in any and all places and historical circumstances.