This chapter presents theories of social conflict that have been highly influential in the sociological debate. In addition to Ralf Dahrendorf’s and Niklas Luhmann’s approaches, we also look at Lewis Coser, Friedrich Glasl, and Randall Collins as well as a game-theoretical take on social conflicts. While Ralf Dahrendorf regards social conflicts social normality derived from social structures, Lewis Coser focuses on the question of whether and to what extent social conflicts are socially functional or dysfunctional. In terms of game theory, conflictual action is understood as an interdependent relationship between two parties characterized by opposing interests, each acting rationally according to their own concerns. Glasl analyzes the dynamics of conflicts, especially in conflict escalations, while Luhmann deals with communication’s constitutive significance for social conflicts. Finally, Randall Collins posits that conflicts do not primarily arise and escalate due to rational conflicts of interest but due to emotional dynamics and ritualized interactions.