Theory of Conflicts by Johan Galtung

Abstract

This paper investigates the conflict theory developed by the Norwegian sociologist and athematician Johan Galtung.  Many scholars argue that the work of Galtung alone represents 50% of the whole Peace Studies sector. His important contributions to an epistemology of peace probably make him the most important reference in this recently born field of knowledge.

We critically follow his analytical approach to conflict theory; however, we also consider other issues of his work that are necessarily linked together in the large body of his production. Therefore, we analyze the rational logics behind his theory of conflict as a key to furtherly investigate over the theories of peace, violence and development.