ABSTRACT
In recent studies of conflict dynamics, the notion of identity-based conflict has attracted considerable attention despite its comparatively short presence in the social sciences. In their pioneering analysis of social conflicts, Burton (1987, 1990) and Azar (1990) described “deep-rooted conflicts” as resting on underlying needs that cannot be compromised. Azar (1990) suggests that the denial of the elements necessary for the development of all people leads to protracted social conflicts (PSCs). He points out that such conflict is not based on the competition around economics and power issues but, instead, “revolves around questions of communal identity” (1991: 93). He also stresses the importance of communal content that rests on the identity of racial, religious, ethnic, and other groups, and reflects the level of responsiveness of major “communal groups” to the needs of other groups in the society. Rothman further develops the concept of identity-based conflict and stresses that these conflicts “are deeply rooted in the underlying individual human needs and values that together constitute people’s social identities, particularly in the context of group affiliations, loyalties, and solidarity” (1997: 6). Fisher (1997) also suggests that the frustration of these basic needs along with a denial of human rights leads to social conflicts.
