A Dynamical Tool to Study the Cultural Context of Conflict Escalation

Author(s)

Lan Bui-Wrzosinska, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities
Michele Gelfand, University of Maryland at College ParkFollow
Andrzej Nowak, Florida Atlantic UniversityFollow
Laura Severance, Fors Marsh Group
Urszula A. Strawinska-Zanko, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Magdalena Formanowicz, University of SurreyFollow
Aleksandra Cichocka, University of KentFollow

ORCID ID

0000-0002-9873-543X, 0000-0002-9780-9230, 0000-0001-5859-7100, 0000-0003-1703-1586

ResearcherID

AAO-7907-2020

Publication Title

Proceedings of the Modeling Intercultural Collaboration and Negotiation (MICON) Meeting

Publication Date

7-2009

Abstract

The present article describes research in progress which is developing a simple, replicable methodology aimed at identifying the regularities and specificity of human behavior in conflict escalation and de-escalation processes. These research efforts will ultimately be used to study conflict dynamics across cultures. The experimental data collected through this methodology, together with case-studies, and aggregated, time-series macro data are key for identifying relevant parameters, systems' properties, and micromechanisms defining the behavior of naturally occurring conflict escalation and de-escalation dynamics. This, in turn, is critical for the development of realistic, empirically supported computational models. The article outlines the theoretical assumptions of Dynamical Systems Theory with regard to conflict dynamics, with an emphasis on the process of conflict escalation and de-escalation. Next, work on a methodology for the empirical study of escalation processes from a DST perspective is outlined. Specifically, the development of a progressive scenario methodology designed to map escalation sequences, together with an example of a preliminary study based on the proposed research paradigm, is presented. Implications of the approach for the study of culture are discussed.

First Page

40

Last Page

49

NSUWorks Citation

Bui-Wrzosinska, L., Gelfand, M., Nowak, A., Severance, L., Strawinska-Zanko, U. A., Formanowicz, M., & Cichocka, A. (2009). A Dynamical Tool to Study the Cultural Context of Conflict Escalation. Proceedings of the Modeling Intercultural Collaboration and Negotiation (MICON) Meeting, 40-49. Retrieved from https://nsuworks.nova.edu/shss_facarticles/683