The theory of peaceful conflicts transformation of J. Galtung and its potential

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The article analyzes the scientific approaches to conflict as a socio-political phenomenon and the theory of peaceful transformation of conflicts of the Norwegian scientist J. Galtung.Conflict can perform both positive and negative functions in society. If we consider society at the macro level, the social sciences have developed two main approaches to its analysis – structural-functional and conflicting. The first approach emphasizes the negative effects of conflict on society, while the second draws attention to its functional nature.J. Galtung defines the conflict as a social system of subjects with incompatible target states and identifies three key components in its structure: attitude, behavior, contradictions (conflict triangle), and the basis of fundamental conflicts, according to the scientist, laid the key human needs: security, welfare, freedom and identity.The life cycle of a conflict is divided into three phases by the scientist – before the violence, during the violence and after the violence, which he separates from each other by the explosion and termination of the violence. But this does not mean that violence cannot be avoided at all and that conflict is inevitably accompanied by violence and destruction, according to J. Galtung.The typology of conflicts of J. Galtung and five main ways of their solution are investigated, among which his method “transcend” is considered as the most difficult and at the same time the best way to achieve optimal result for all subjects of the conflict. The method of “transcend” aims to transform the conflict, which involves transferring it to a new reality and achieving peace. Compassion, non-violence, and creativity – this is what the main approaches of J. Galtung provides for the successful resolution and transformation of the conflict.The proposals of the scientist concerning the transformation of well-known international conflicts in the twentieth century, in particular between North and South Korea and between Peru and Ecuador, are analyzed.The view is expressed that J. Galtung's theory has a great humanistic potential, since in the presence of centers of permanent international conflicts and the threat of the use of nuclear weapons, it offers the most optimal ways for their peaceful settlement.