Konfliktparadokset

Abstract

This chapter focuses on a paradox related to cooperation and conflict in local politics. Most Norwegian local governments are organized according to a model where political parties are proportionally represented in all political committees. While this model encourages consensus building, it has increasingly been filled with party-political conflicts. This chapter discusses the difficult balance between “cooperation” and “conflict” in local politics. We show how local councilors in Norway and Denmark perceive and relate to conflict, and we provide examples of destructive as well as constructive conflicts in local governments. In a brief and subsequent chapter, a Norwegian Mayor reflects on how to balance party-political conflicts and cooperation.