ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses various aspects of the South African situation and come to the conclusion that constructive accommodation of conflict in South Africa is becoming more likely in the light of these insights and approaches. The most common ways of handling conflict are often the most inappropriate because they are based on gut feelings and emotion rather than on rational and cost-benefit analyses. The traditional negative or pessimistic approach stemmed largely from recognition of natural human aggression and the scarcity of finite material resources such as possessions and territory. Negotiation is an essential part of the democratic interaction of pressures in politics. Coercion is part of the negotiation and bargaining process. A legitimate reason for scepticism about negotiation in South Africa is asymmetry of bargaining power between parties to conflict. Human aggressiveness and violence constitute major sources of conflict and obstacles to promoting peaceful relations.
