Each party in a conflict aspires to the outcome that best suits their interests, and when one side is more privileged due to a power imbalance, this desire is heightened and made easier for the privileged to fulfil. A just settlement becomes more difficult and complex in these situations. When two people are at odds, it not only affects their interests but also how they view and relate to the outside world. One party is interpreted as the Self in this power dynamic, while the other is positioned as the Other. In some situations, the subjects of the conflicts have greater significance than the objects of the conflict and even surpass them. This essay aims to demonstrate that disputes involving an imbalance of power can be settled by altering our perceptions of power, the relationship between the self and the other, resistance, and violence. Gandhi’s views on self and others, satyagraha, and non-violence provide a method to do this. The paper suggests that changing the perception benefits both the powerless and the powerful. The paper also emphasises the importance of acknowledging the fundamental unity of all beings, the interdependency of all beings, and the need for self-realisation. It argues that the system of oppression persists due to misunderstandings of power on both sides, leading to the continuation of the same power structure and oppressive systems. Gandhi emphasises the importance of understanding the perspective of others and focusing on the larger value of humanity rather than focusing on winning the case. By focusing on the larger value of humanity, conflicts can be resolved more effectively.

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A Relationship Between Self and Other: A Gandhian Approach to Conflict Resolution in Power Imbalance

  • Reetu Jaiswal

摘要

Each party in a conflict aspires to the outcome that best suits their interests, and when one side is more privileged due to a power imbalance, this desire is heightened and made easier for the privileged to fulfil. A just settlement becomes more difficult and complex in these situations. When two people are at odds, it not only affects their interests but also how they view and relate to the outside world. One party is interpreted as the Self in this power dynamic, while the other is positioned as the Other. In some situations, the subjects of the conflicts have greater significance than the objects of the conflict and even surpass them. This essay aims to demonstrate that disputes involving an imbalance of power can be settled by altering our perceptions of power, the relationship between the self and the other, resistance, and violence. Gandhi’s views on self and others, satyagraha, and non-violence provide a method to do this. The paper suggests that changing the perception benefits both the powerless and the powerful. The paper also emphasises the importance of acknowledging the fundamental unity of all beings, the interdependency of all beings, and the need for self-realisation. It argues that the system of oppression persists due to misunderstandings of power on both sides, leading to the continuation of the same power structure and oppressive systems. Gandhi emphasises the importance of understanding the perspective of others and focusing on the larger value of humanity rather than focusing on winning the case. By focusing on the larger value of humanity, conflicts can be resolved more effectively.