Identifying Conflict Indicators To monitor the dynamics and developments of a conflict it is important to identify a series of specific indicators. Structural 'background' factors such as systematic political exclusion, inherent economic inequities, lack of adequate and responsive institutions, shifts in demographic balance, economic decline, and ecological land deterioration, which create pre-conditions for social conflicts. Immediate events that accelerate the outbreak of a conflict. There is no single cause of a conflict. Nor is there often any single precondition for sustainable peace.
Different factors vary in importance, and reinforce or neutralise each other.
The analysis of the situation must therefore include assessing the relative importance of the different indicators and their inter-relationships. The second table below provides for weighing and drawing relationships between different indicators. The result is a simplified model depicting the most prominent and powerful conflict and peace indicators, synergies and mitigating effects. Very Important Important Less important top Step 3. Identifying and Assessing the impact of existing Peace Initiatives For a balanced understanding of a conflict situation it is important to take account of ongoing peace initiatives and conflict reduction efforts.