SOLVING COMPLEX CONFLICTS

Many complex problems may be modeled as conflicts, but until now a comprehensive technique for analyzing real world conflicts has not been available. A method is presented which permits the rapid assessment of complex conflict situations for the purpose of finding resolutions to a conflict, determining correct strategies, and enhancing one's understanding of the problem. The new technique is presented through a step by step example, and following this the mathematical basis for the analysis algorithm is developed. Finally, extensions to the procedure are presented through the analysis of the fall of France in 1940, an international water allocation conflict, and the Garrison Diversion Unit (GDU) irrigation project in North Dakota, U.S.A. Copyright © 1979 by The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.