DOI

Summary
The chapter deals with the aftermath of 9/11 events and presents a new approach to conflict resolution based on both Realpolitik and Idealpolitik theoretical frameworks, connected through the recognition of the complex aspects involved in conflicts. In this text, Realpolitik and Idealpolitik, which are traditionally presented as two opposing theories, are shown to be two complementary practices that can provide relevant insight and guidance on the resolution of both the “deep-rooted causes” and the “very clear symptoms” of conflict, in general, and the post-Cold War terrorism, in particular. Their complementarity is explained through the adoption of several complexity concepts, such as non-linearity, emergence and “catastrophic” responses to initial conditions. Finally, the author proposes a new concept to assess conflict and conflict resolution based on three pillars (Conflict Causes and Conditions; Conflict; Conflict intervention), which aim to grasp and deal with the complexity of conflicts.

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
The article is relevant for complex systems knowledge, as complexity science perspectives are operationalized to elaborate a new theoretical framework and build a bridge between two opposing fields of research (Realpolitik and Idealpolitik). Their differences are not analyzed as two opposing and mutually exclusive perceptions of the world, but rather as two different aspects of the inherent complexity of conflict and terrorism. The chapter proposes an interesting analysis of post-9/11 events and the Yugoslavian war, in light of complexity science, providing interesting perspectives that can be discussed in class. Finally, the three-pillar framework provides a preliminary basis for further elaboration of conflict resolution methods based on complex systems analysis.

Point of Strength
- It presents a rather comprehensive analysis of Realpolitik and ethnocentrism, explaining the strengths of their perspectives, as well as their drawbacks.
- It establishes a dialogue between Idealpolitik and Realpolitik on the basis of complexity science concepts
- It provides interesting analyses of post-Cold War conflicts and the scenario they opened
- It provides a new conceptual model based on complexity science to study conflict and conflict resolution.