Thinking about the concept of conflict: Some ideas from Araucanía Region, Southern Chile

Abstract

This article proposes a novel perspective for analyzing complex conflicts, taking as an example the so-called "Araucanía conflict" in southern Chile. Based on the theory of fields and conflicts proposed by Kurt Lewin (1948), the study adopts a complexity-based approach, considering the simultaneity of conflicts, the multiplicity of actors and interests, the divergent meanings, and the dynamic interactions that underlie the different latent and/or manifest tensions and contentious actions. This approach seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the conflict and the possibility of bringing together positions for its resolution. To this end, the current predominant assumptions in both academic research and policymaking are examined, identifying their limitations and risks of simplification, which can distort the understanding of the case. The assumptions under discussion relate to the clarity and permanence of the actors in conflict, the capacity to resolve historical truth, the need to identify the specific dimension that explains the conflict, and the alignment of positions with practices or repertoires. The land restitution policy in La Araucanía is presented to address the difficulties of resolving a multidimensional conflict through this type of strategy. Finally, the need to develop an analytical framework that goes beyond this type of approach and provides a foundation for the development of a research agenda that can address the complexity of conflicts such as the one described is proposed.