The Graph Model for Conflict Resolution: Introduction and Update

The Graph Model for Conflict Resolution: Introduction and Update

Conflict Analysis is a set of principles and techniques to model and analyze strategic conflicts, or multi-person, multi-objective decision problems. These game-theory-related techniques are based on the principles that actors are aware and purposive – they make decisions in their own interests. The Graph Model for Conflict Resolution stands out for the simplicity and flexibility of its models and the breadth of its analysis. This presentation demonstrates the remarkable
development of the Graph Model since its first publication in 1987. The graph model system is prescriptive, aiming to provide a specific decision-maker with useful strategic insights, based on that decision-maker’s understanding of the strategic situation. The basics of the Graph Model are described in detail, using real-life conflicts as illustrations. More recent developments include 

• modeling flexibility: multi-level preference and uncertain, fuzzy, and grey preference,
• new analysis techniques using matrix methods,
• post-analysis procedures: status quo analysis, coalition analysis
• inverse graph model, a procedure to advise disputants and mediators.
The newest Decision Support System, GMCR+, with its strong visualization components, will be used to illustrate these ideas. A brief look to the future will show that the next generation of decision support based on the Graph Model will be even more comprehensive and even more powerful.