Problems of research on social conflict in the area of international relations

Abstract

The researcher preparing to investigate the subject of social conflict faces two major problems: the complexity of the phenomenon, and the complexity of finding the relevant literature and research, both previous and current. Some assistance with the second problem may eventually be helpful in dealing with the first. This note is a partial digest of my own recently completed research project which began in 1956 and culminated with a dissertation, A Comparative and Critical Examination of Methods of Analyzing Social Conflict Situations in the Area of International Relations (New York University, 1962). While the emphasis was on social conflict in international relations, it appeared that a meaningful investigation must also include consideration of social conflict in general, so that literature in the latter, broader area was also relevant. Two helpful bibliographies were discovered: