Look at the strengths and weaknesses of non-violent conflict resolution.
Learning aims
- Benefits of non-violent conflict resolution
- Limitations of non-violent conflict resolution
Icebreaker
Draw a flow chart to show the stages of the war with Iraq.
Start with "Al-Qaeda decide to attack America" and continue the story from there.
Feedback loop
At any point where violence is used you can draw an arrow that takes the path back to the start of the flow chart. The idea is to show how just one angry individual can mount an attack that starts a new cycle of violence.
Vicious cycle
The longer you continue the story the more arrows you will have going back to the start, this increases the chance of further conflict. Explain that this 'vicious cycle' is one reason why some people favour non-violent conflict resolution.
Main activity
Strengths and limitations of non-violence
Through discussion or by preparing a poster or essay students weigh up the pros and cons of violence and non-violence in conflict resolution. Some possible are shown below.
For each bullet point they should think of an example to show why it is a strength or limitation. The first three have already been done:
Strengths of non-violence
No human life lost (hospitals bombed)
No destruction of property (cities in ruins)
No civilians involved (refugee crisis)
No damage to environment
Breaks the cycle of violence
Limitations of non-violence
No rapid response to a threat
Negotiation can take years
Wrongdoers may go unpunished
Non-violence may be seen as weakness
Irrational people will not negotiate
Looking weak may prompt more violence
Extension activity
Students produce two cycles, one vicious (downward cycle) and one 'virtuous' (upward cycle). They are to be based on violent and non violent resolution to a conflict from their school life or local area.
Plenary
Recap on the main teaching points and discuss any consensus reached.
Teachers' Background
Kids for and against war
