ABSTRACT
The chapter revisits the overall puzzles of the book: Why and how do conflicts escalate? Why and how do they continue? And what are the consequences hereof for conflict transformation? It recapitulates the basic insights and crosscutting themes of the book in an overall discussion of diverse conflictualization dynamics that fuel escalation and continuation and regenerates emotions, subjectivities and social identities. First, the chapter discusses conflict escalation, continuation and termination in Syria, emphasizing how and why the Syria conflict has escalated to involve more issues and parties adding to the continuation rather than the resolution of the conflict. Second, it is explained how conflicts are shaped by dynamics relating to emotion, securitization, incentives, digital technology, violence, third parties and even monitoring or remembering a conflict. Third and finally, a discussion of practical implications of the book’s novel re-theorizing of conflicts is outlined. According to the Situation-Interaction-Tension framework, conflict is structured around contradiction and opposition. Consequently, conflict transformation should aim at changing the structure of the situation, that is the opposing positioning of the parties, changing the level of tension and redirecting the micro-interactional conflict patterns along peaceful avenues, be that through disengagement, dialogue processes, negotiations or nonviolent resistance.
