ABSTRACT
Conflicts are inherent in every intergroup relation, but special attention is directed to interethnic intractable conflicts that first of all have a determinative effect on the well-being of the societies involved but often also influence the security and welfare of other nations as well. These conflicts last for a long time because the real disagreements over goals and interests are fueled by the socio-psychological repertoire that is well grounded in the culture of the engaged societies – that is, in longstanding, violent, and vicious intractable conflicts, societies evolve a culture of conflict that has a tremendous influence on the way these conflicts are managed, because it provides important foundations for their continuation and it thwarts their peaceful resolution. Conflicts in the Middle East, Sri Lanka, Kashmir, or Northern Ireland provide good examples of this type of conflict. This chapter describes the features of the intractable conflict and the evolution of the culture of conflict, its nature, and its consequences.
