Paths to Conflict Reduction and Reciprocal Trust Achievement: The Fry-Richardson Process and Developing Mutual Trust (GRIT)

Abstract

Conflict reduction and the pursuit of peace are fundamental goals in international relations, and study of dynamics of tension and conflict resolutions have been discussed quite extensively in recent years. Following our preceding article submitted to International Economics Dev. J (2023), the present review article was inspired by Osgood’s An alternative to war or surrender (1962) and also Ken Rotenberg’s Psychology of Trust (2018).  By understanding the dynamics of conflict and actively working to build trust, the world can move closer to the ideal of a more peaceful and secure global community. Our small contribution in this article, is that our simple simulation (example 3 as shown here) clearly shows how the arm dealer(s) tend to increase tension by reducing the trust levels of both countries at each time step. Our findings here seem to suggest, among other things, that we will observe that despite the countries' efforts to build trust, the influence of the arm dealers prevent tension reduction and may even lead to a worsening of the situation. Therefore, efforts shall be made to reduce tension first among the countries and armdealers who play the conflict(s) behind the scene. In reality, the impact of arm dealers and external influences on international relations and conflict dynamics is far more complex and multifaceted. It is therefore advisable to take care those who play behind the scenes before real peace process can take place. Moreover, negotiation processes shall also include negotiating the sacred, as discussed elsewhere.