Conflicts do not always follow this progression in a linear fashion. Conflicts may regress, or may occasionally skip stages. The appropriate response to latent conflict is education to increase awareness of power imbalances and unequal relationships. Overt conflicts call for confrontation. Advocates work to bring the weaker party's needs to the attention of the stronger.
Confrontation can range from violent to nonviolent.
As awareness of the conflict and recognition of the parties increases the appropriate response becomes negotiation. Mediators or other facilitators seek to balance power between the parties. Successful negotiations produce structural changes in the parties' relationship. The Peace building Process Excessive emphasis on the personality of the mediator misunderstands the Peace building process. Peace building draws on many of these activities and applies them at various stages and levels of conflict.