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The Iceberg Model for Conflict
Dynamics
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The
dynamics of a conflict are often compared to an iceberg. The iceberg model
serves to illustrate that only a small part of a conflict can be seen on
the surface. Six sevenths of an iceberg is under water and remains unseen
– while determining the size and the manner in which the iceberg acts at
the same time. The iceberg model is often used to illustrate that only a
fraction of the events and dynamics in a conflict are immediately
accessible. The other facets need to be revealed.
Conflicts always take place on two levels simultaneously: at a tangible
level and a psychosocial level. Being aware of both levels, recognizing
their reciprocal influence and developing the ability to consider them
separately is important.
 | Tangible
level: the 'objective' tip of the iceberg is made up of formulated
special topics, observable behavior and facts.
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| Psychosocial
level: fears, insecurities, wishes, feelings, taboos and so on cannot
be seen immediately, but are present on an extensive basis. They often
remain unspoken and covert in effect. |
The
psychosocial level frequently dominates conflicting events. The more a
conflict escalates, the more this level wins in importance. Therefore, recognizing
and understanding the dynamics of the psychosocial level represents an
important step towards understanding a conflict comprehensively. Elevating
the psychosocial level into the consciousness and removing the dynamics of
the unconscious means placing the actual object of the conflict back into
the field of view and making it (re)negotiable. |
[Autor: Günther Gugel, Tübingen
Institute for Peace Education; Editor: Ragnar Müller]
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