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The dysfunctional theory of conflict:
This theory has come from the sociological and political 
science tradition of functionalism. It argues that conflict is a deviation from what is normal, what 
is expected
 
or what is usual, and is a disturbance to the normal functioning of society. The 
sociologist in this school are also called the consensus or integrations school of thought. The main 
exponent of this theory includes Talcott Parsons view in "social system and Neil Smelser (1961), 
"Theory of collective behavior 
They see, cooperation as normal and ideal to every society-has 
performed positive functions for the integration of society together, while conflicts tear society 
apart. That suggests the coercion and consensus views agree with each other in clear terms and 

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that conflict is .legitimate and reutilized and controlled. As interest groups become -less satisfied, 
such groups may obtain recognition and legitimacy through violent struggle. e.g Niger Delta 
Militant. 
iii. 
The functional theory of conflict:
The argument of this theory is the opposition- of-the 
dysfunctional, and holds that conflict strengthens social systems at particular times. Scholars like 
Lewis Coser (1956) 
'in the functions of social conflict' 
argued that conflicts can strengthen societies 
internally as well as maintain and reinforce relations, between societies and social pathologies 
reduced all through conflict. War with 'another nation may bring coherence and internal strength 
to that society and the army, thus becoming functional for that society. 
iv. 
The-Power/Realist theory of Conflict
: This theory originates from classical political theory 
of philosophers like Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbes, and Rousseau, but has been popularized as a 
theory of international relations by the Realists, as it attempt to explain conflicts between states. 
Best, S. G. (NP4)..The Theory establishes conflict in the prevalence of power-and competitiveness 
leading to the inevitability of conflict. 
Margenthau (1973), argue that imperfection in the world, and conflict has its roots in -forces 
that are inherently in human nature, and that human nature is said to be selfish, individualistic and 
naturally conflictive capable of generating conflict. State will always pursue their national interests 
defined as power, which will come into conflict with others. To this extent conflict is inevitable 
'and can only be away. Thus, there are other theories such as communication theory, belief conflict 
is as result of poor communication and "misperception's as well as bad socialization between 
parties, communities, national, states etc. Many other theories have been propounded by different 
school of thought like Human need theory, the' innate theory, biological theory, psychological 
theory, theological theory, community Relations Theory, identity theory, the frustration and 
aggression theory, systemic theories, all of these theories could be summarized in four. The 
delusion theory, 
who believed conflict prevention is unrealistic since it is inevitable, 
perversion 
theory, 
believed conflict is part of human nature that cannot be prevented, 
coercion-theorists; 
believed in warning system against conflict escalation, and 
believers theorists 
believed that 
conflict could be prevented if the right tasks are carried out. And argue that different tasks will be 
carried out in different stages if good result are to be achieved. Kelmqn (1993:3) in retrospect 
analysis shows the way forward, in his observation stressed that each perspectives of the theories 
stated above only add to the pool of available knowledge on conflict resolution processes and sees 
nations as the basic units of analysis in international conflict. 

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