Conflict in Complex Socio-Natural Systems: Using Agent-Based Modeling to Understand the Behavioral Roots of Social Unrest within the Mandera Triangle
Date
2009-06
Authors
Rouleau, Mark
Coletti, Mark
Bassett, Jeffrey K.
Hailegiorgis, Atesmachew B.
Gulden, Tim
Kennedy, William G.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Human Behavior-Computational Modeling and Interoperability Conference
Abstract
Conflict resolution research relies upon a deep understanding of human behavior within highly complex socionatural systems. Scholars must isolate the source of conflict among individuals reacting to the feedback of changing socionatural conditions. Fortunately, the oft-obscured roots of conflict typically surface at critical points of change within the system. We use the Mandera Triangle region of East Africa as an example of this surfacing of behavioral drivers. Our research fuses a wide range of backgrounds to construct a simulation model of Mandera and to gain a better understanding of the roots of human behavior in relation to social conflict.
Description
Keywords
Agent-based model, Mandera triangle, Pastoral systems--Africa, East, Herders, Farmers, Africa, East
Citation
Rouleau, M., Coletti, Bassett, J.K., Hailegiorgis, A.B., Gulden, T., and Kennedy, W.G., (2009) Conflict in Complex Socio-Natural Systems: Using Agent-Based Modeling to Understand the Behavioral Roots of Social Unrest within the Mandera Triangle. Paper presented at the Human Behavior-Computational Modeling and Interoperability Conference 2009. Oak Ridge, TN. 23-24 June 2009.