4. Persistent conflicts:
like poverty, an issue of form, and also a measuring stick of real progress. Regarding
specific conflicts, what usually happens is that once they begin they are so quickly
overwhelmed by form, by people promoting volatility - and more conflict - for
their own ends, that they almost immediately become intractable. Therefore, the
importance of having a rational discussion as soon as possible following the development
of a dispute cannot be overemphasized. It will often be the only chance to diffuse
the problem before it becomes too large, and acrimonious, to resolve.
There is a valid question whether a war ever really ends, even when it seemingly
is resolved through the victory of one group over another. This is because of
the above-described tyranny of the majority. As long as such a tyranny is enforced
against the vanquished group, they will always seek to rebel, and as such the
war is simply lying dormant, waiting to be reignited. Therefore, if the two groups
do not resolve their differences, with reason and peacefully, including agreeing
on mechanisms for the sharing of power between them, the war cannot be said to
be over.
Also, there are many practical impediments to resolving a conflict, the most important
of which is disarmament. The problem with disarmament schemes for rebels is that
they are always one-sided. The government never disarms. Therefore, such schemes
rarely work. If two armed men face each other, one will never put down his weapon
unless he is certain the other will do so as well. To do otherwise would be foolish,
even suicidal.