The ABCM Model of Conflict Analysis and Zen Buddhism: Transforming Conflict into Peace

Abstract

To fill the gap of the previous studies, the paper examines the current global conflicts, such as the Ukraine and Iran conflicts, by the mindfulness approach. The classical theories of international relations such as realism, liberalism, and constructivism often are not able to deal with these conflicts, as they do not take into consideration cognitive distortions and ego attachments which influence perceptions of decision-makers and political leaders. In order to fill this gap, the paper integrates the key ideas of the Diamond Sutra to reformulate the ABCM Diamond model of conflict, where this model can be employed to promote internal peace by adding mindfulness (M) as a fourth dimension to the ABC triangle of Galtung. By relying on the "logic of not" of the Diamond Sutra, the paper illustrates how decision-makers can turn the subconscious root poisons of greed, anger and ignorance into the clarity of inter-being. This cognitive-ethical change replaces the reactive and egoistic behaviour with the reflective equanimity and unconditional compassion. When the decision-makers can adopt this approach, inner peace can be obtained, leading to external peace to resolve regional and global conflicts.