Part I Sweden In Peace
First part of the workshop was “Sweden in Peace.” Sweden has been in peace for about 200 years. From 1521 – 1814 Sweden has 16 kings. 13 of the kings were in conflict or war with Denmark or Russia. The cause was the kings’ ambition to make Sweden a big empire. However, in 17 century Sweden lost war after war.
In 1814 a new French miltary, Bandot became king in Sweden. He took Swedeish name. He was realsitic and strategic. He convinced that Sweden is small country that can’t envade other countries. He was able to avoid war and eventually to establish Sweden. His son also started cultural and social exchange with Denmark.
After 1814 Sweden has never been in war or conflict, but it has been on edge of war on different occassions.
When Germany envaded Denmark, Sweden threated that they will go to war in support of Denmark when Russians backed their idea. But it was avoided when Russians changed their idea.
In 1905 Norway was separated from Sweden by majority vote. Some Swedish elites were against the separation of Norway and there was a threat of war again.
Afterwards Sweden started to develop a new system: free alliance and being neutral in war. Although in reality it was not. Thus, they started to build relation with both sides of antagonists. For instance, in 1914 during WWI started to support first France and then Russia.
During WW II Sweden was in threat of war from Germany. But Sweden started to export iron to Germany and support the Nazis. After Germany started to lose the war they started to support the alliance. At that time Norway was disappointed with Sweden for letting Germany soldiers.
During cold world war Sweden claimed neutral. But USA set up a radar on the East Coast of sweden. On the other hand Sweden was supporting Russia, which was a paradox.
Then the workshop was open for the attendees for questions and opinions. Some of the opinions were:
Nordic countries are suspious of Sweden
Sweden feel quite safe nowadays.
Sweden has a policy of neutrality, which is not in reality. But it is a way of avoiding war.
Sweden avoids to sell arms and weapons for countries in conflict, at least in policy.
Swedes have a long history of believing that what their leaders (politicians) doing is correct and true.
Sweden used to export weapon to India and in 1960 there was a plan to build a nuclear weapon.
On the contrary of Sweden’s experience, Eritrea uses every opportunity to start conflict and war.
Part II What is Conflict?
The second part of the discussion was about “conflict”. In this section the attendees were divided into two groups: Swedish and Eritreans. The two groups were assigned to find as many synonames as they can that can express conflict in their own langauge. Each group dramatized its _expression of conflict.
Based on the dramas the attendees were able to identify what a conflict is and cause of the conflict. Then, how the conflict starts and reachs the total extinction stage was explained in graphic way by Öjvind.
Escalation of conflict
Total
extinction
Hit on sensitive
points
Attack
Threat
Lose face
Enemy
Run over
Need to win
Discussion
Conflict issue
After run over it is easy to solve the conflict. But if it reaches the attack stage it is difficult to solve it. It needs a long time. However, if it reaches total extinction it is unsolvable. At this stage mediator is needed. Eg. UN forces are required in case of border war.
Part III Examples of conflict stories
The third part of the workshop was to come up with examples of conflict that really happened in the individuals life. The attendees were divided into four groups. Each group has to choose one story and dramatize it.
Each conflict story should have answer for the following three main questions.
Where is the conflict?
What is your role in the conflict?
What is the core of the conflict?
After each conflict drama the attendees were asked to stop the acters and try to solve the problem by acting themselves before it reaches conflict at different stages.
Methods of conflict mangemnet
Based on the the stories and dramas all attendees were able to suggest some points on methods of solving conflict.
Dialogue with all parties - early intervention
Avoiding argument before violence
Compromise
Understanding the “enemy”
Patience- choose the right situation
Concentrate on the actual problem
See the needs of the other side
Avoid use the word “enemy” and “problem” instead more postive words
Use a mediator
Admittance of fault- should not be to the extreme
Be nice and kind
Put the challenge (problem) in a larger perspective
At the end of the workshop Öjvind recommended a method which is good at solving problem:
Unconditional constructive strategy
Respect your agreement even if the other side breaks it
Avoid the bad manner of the other side
Admitt your fault little by little but not totaly all together
Joking sometimes can avoid conflict
No comments:
Post a Comment