Conflictual relations are zero or negative-sum interactions where the interests of one are pitted against those of another. Relations of conflict arise when agents with divergent agendas interact over some rival resource. Meaning that the resource that each agent desires is exclusive where only one agent can own or occupy that resource at any given time. This may include some physical resources, some social status, ideology etc. This interdependence coupled with excludability means one agent can obtain more of some rival resources by reducing another’s access to it which creates a dynamic of conflict between members.
