Wicked Problems: Threats and Opportunities (original) (raw)

2022, Wicked Problems: Threats and Opportunities

Wicked Problems also known as irregular conflicts are defined by “contradictory and changing requirements, multiple stakeholders, many interdependencies, and problems that keep evolving.” (Kramer 2011) Conflict contexts are by their very nature complex and require comprehensive analysis to understand, design and implement responsive interventions. These interventions which should ideally aim at addressing the root causes of violent conflict are best carried out by those who live within the context, who through hard work and various confidence building measures, have gained trust and credibility with the different “sides” of the conflict. However, because irregular conflicts are so dynamic, it is necessary to adapt to their pace by not only understanding the conflict but keeping up with changing forces and factors that affect the conflict. This therefore means that both threats and opportunities exist which can be identified and utilised to make a difference. The process of identifying the threats as well as opportunities to transform these irregular conflicts into more productive rather than destructive states may seem like a tall order in the heat of episodes of violence; but the approach of multi-track diplomacy, inclusive and bottom-up approaches has been shown to bring about more productive outcomes and sustainable cultures of peace in conflict affected communities. With the exponential increase of wicked problems all over the world at every level, this presentation aims not only to highlight the challenges and threats they present but also how we can leverage evolving opportunities even within the most complex conflict contexts.