The big idea: Conflict is a clash between groups over interests, values, resources or needs. Crucially, conflict is not the same as violence — a clash can be handled peacefully. Conflict is a normal part of politics; whether it turns violent is the real question.
Conflict comes in two forms. Latent conflict is hidden — tensions and grievances that have not broken into the open. Overt conflict is open — protests, disputes or fighting that everyone can see. Latent conflict can turn overt, and overt conflict can be pushed back underground.
- Conflict ≠ violence — a clash of interests can be resolved peacefully; violence is one way conflict plays out.
- Latent conflict — hidden tensions and grievances not yet in the open.
- Overt conflict — open, visible disputes, protests or fighting.
- Conflict is normal — it is a natural part of politics; the goal is to handle it without violence.
Not all conflict is bad: Conflict can be healthy — protests, debates and disputes are how societies change and injustices get challenged. The problem is not conflict itself but whether it becomes violent or destructive. Managing conflict well, not banning it, is the aim.
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The most important point is the move from latent to overt — because a hidden conflict that stays unresolved can suddenly erupt.
Case study — from latent to overt conflict: Long before open fighting, a conflict is often latent: a group feels excluded, discriminated against or denied resources, but the tension stays below the surface. If those grievances are ignored, the latent conflict can turn overt — erupting into protests, riots or war, sometimes triggered by a single event. This is why unresolved grievances are dangerous: a society can look peaceful (no open conflict) while a serious conflict simmers underneath, ready to break out.
So spotting latent conflict matters as much as responding to overt conflict. A country with no open fighting is not necessarily stable — the real question is whether hidden grievances are being addressed.
The key point: Conflict is a clash of interests, values or needs — not the same as violence. It can be latent (hidden) or overt (open), and unresolved latent conflict can erupt into overt conflict. Managing conflict without violence, and addressing hidden grievances, is the goal.
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Is conflict a problem to be removed, or a normal, even useful part of politics? And why are some conflicts harder to resolve than others? Weigh it.
Why conflict is not the same as violence
A conflict is a clash of interests or values; violence is one way it can be expressed. Elections, courts, negotiation and protest are peaceful ways to handle conflict — so the aim is not to end conflict but to keep it non-violent.
Why some conflicts are harder to resolve
Conflicts over deep identity, religion or historic grievance are often harder to resolve than those over dividable resources, because identity and dignity cannot easily be split or compromised — so the roots of a conflict shape how solvable it is.
Two perspectives — weigh them: One view: conflict is a normal, even healthy part of politics that drives change. Another view: conflict is dangerous because latent conflict can erupt into violence. Strong essays evaluate both, often concluding conflict itself is normal and can be constructive — the danger is unmanaged conflict turning violent.
How conflict comes up in Paper 2: A Paper 2 essay might ask why some conflicts are harder to resolve, or treat conflict as clashing interests. Use latent vs overt and the point that conflict ≠ violence, with a real case, then judge.
The 15-mark markband (what moves you up)
Bands 1–6
Mostly descriptive; perspectives not identified.
avoid
Bands 7–9
Clear knowledge, but perspectives identified, not explored.
7–9
Bands 10–12
Well-supported argument; perspectives explored.
10–12
Bands 13–15
Balanced, compelling; perspectives explored AND evaluated.
13–15
Discuss the view that some types of conflict are more difficult to resolve than others.
Model answer plan
See the mark-by-mark plan — for / against / judgement, with marking guidance — in study mode.
Common mistakes: 1. Treating conflict as the same as violence. Conflict can be peaceful.
2. Missing latent vs overt. Hidden conflict matters too.
3. No real case. Use an identity vs resource conflict.
4. Listing, not evaluating. Top marks need perspectives explored AND evaluated.
5. No judgement. Conclude on what makes conflict harder to resolve.