Theories, Dimensions and Causes of Conflict: An Overview

Abstract

Theories of conflict provide useful premises for gaining insights into the dynamics of conflict. Among other things they are useful as analytical tools handy for organizing data and making predictions. Precisely, theories facilitate description, explanation and prediction. Theories are very important tools versatile for providing insight and perspectives on issues. There are diverse submissions on theories of conflict, which help us make sense and guide us in understanding of realities around us and the world at large. The paper is a synthesis of some theories and issues in conflict and conflict resolution. It approached the discourse in a concise and lucid manner anchored on mainly secondary sources of data, examines sequence of diverse but interconnected theories of conflicts; it also investigates factors, dimensions and causes of conflict. Understanding of how conflict occur, what causes it, its various dimension and classification, as well as approaches to resolving it will be helpful in understanding the dynamics of conflict and its management not only within the West African sub-region and the African continent but the world at large.