This section synthesises the key elements of conflict analysis as they emerge from the various conflict analysis tools documented in Annex 1. Looking at each of these elements will help to develop a comprehensive picture of the context in which you operate. Depending on your specific interest, however, you may want to emphasise particular aspects of key importance. For example, if the emphasis is on the identification of project partners and beneficiaries, a good understanding of conflict actors and how potential partners and beneficiaries relate to them will be the primary requirement. (See Box 2 in this chapter).

Generally, “good enough” thinking is required. This means accepting that the analysis can never be exhaustive, nor provide absolute certainty. Conflict dynamics are simply too complex and volatile for any single conflict analysis process to do them justice. Nevertheless, you should trust your findings, even though some aspects may remain unclear. Do not be discouraged; some analysis, no matter how imperfect, is better than no analysis at all.

The following diagram highlights the common key features of conflict analysis, which will contribute to understanding the interaction between the context and future/current interventions (see Chapters 3 and 4 for the project and sectoral (sector wide) levels respectively). The common features are the conflict profile, actors, causes and dynamics. Each is further described below.