Political integration and internal violent
conflict management
Klaus Krajewski
Vôlkerkundliches Institut, Universität Tübingen, Schlof, D-7400 Tübingen, Deutschland
Abstract. The paper is concerned with hypotheses relating political structure and modes of conflict resolu-
tion. An analysis of existing studies related to this topic leads to the argument that in order to test formulized
hypotheses correctly the problems of operationalization of theoretical variables and of definition of the ap-
propiate unit of analysis must be solved. An optimized model for retesting specifically hypotheses explain-
ing modes of internal conflict management in centralized societies is offered.
Introduction
In my paper I discuss the often postulated relationship between elements of political
Structure, mechanisms of political processes and modes of conflict management. Start-
ing point of my discussion are studies testing these relationships cross-culturally!. In
these studies we find a confusing variety of hypotheses and variables. A closer look re-
veals the fact, that, even though differing in many ways, the explanation of intrasocie-
tal conflicts is based on the same theoretical considerations.
Summarizing existing concepts and discussion
Two basic concepts are offered relating intrasocietal conflict to elements of the pol-
itical structure. On the one hand, it is argued that the lack of overarching institutions
With the ability to resolve conflicts explains violent conflict management. The other
approach focusses on the power monopoly of political authorities, allowing them to
Suppress violent forms of conflict management, which threaten existing power con-
stellations. This is only possible, when the concentration of political power reaches a
Certain level. The common idea underlying these arguments is the notion, that over-
arching authorities are able to integrate opposing intrasocietal fractions, thus reducing
the probability of violent conflict management.
To summarize previous results and as a starting point for the development of an
Optimized model I reconstruct two hypotheses reflecting the above outlined common
theoretical basis.
Wa
1
B For an overview of cross-cultural studies concerned with conflict and conflict resolution see White and
Urton 1987
Zeitschrift für Ethnologie 115 (1990) 57-61 © 1992 Dietrich Reimer Verlag