Task – ‘Open-source’ task. Theory – 10 point task – a ‘Open-source’ task. Find/identify main postulates of given great thinker/scholar [from Martin Griffiths

john burton
John Burton was a British political scientist and international relations scholar who made significant contributions to the study of conflict resolution and peacebuilding. The main postulates of his thought are:

1. 
   Human Needs Theory: Burton developed the concept of "human needs theory," which argues that conflicts arise from unmet human needs, such as for security, identity, and well-being. He believed that addressing these underlying needs was essential for resolving conflicts and building lasting peace.
   
2. 
   Empathy and Communication: Burton emphasized the importance of empathy and communication in resolving conflicts, arguing that conflicts can only be resolved if the parties involved understand each other's perspectives and needs.
   
3. 
   Holistic Approach: Burton took a holistic approach to conflict resolution and peacebuilding, emphasizing the importance of addressing not just the immediate conflict but also the underlying structural and cultural factors that contribute to the conflict.
   

A relevant illustration of Burton's ideas can be seen in the role of human needs and empathy in peace negotiations and conflict resolution processes. For example, the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland in 1998 was a peace agreement that addressed the underlying human needs and grievances of both Catholic and Protestant communities, leading to a resolution of the conflict and lasting peace.
Another example is the role of communication and understanding in resolving conflicts in diverse societies. Burton's emphasis on empathy and communication has been applied in efforts to resolve conflicts in places like the Balkans, where different ethnic and cultural groups have been in conflict for generations. By encouraging parties to understand each other's perspectives and needs, peace negotiators have been able to find common ground and resolve conflicts peacefully.

Robert Cox
Robert Cox was a Canadian political economist and international relations scholar. He is best known for his contributions to the study of critical theory in international relations and his views on the role of ideology in shaping world politics. The main postulates of his thought are:

1. 
   Critical Theory: Cox developed the concept of critical theory in international relations, which emphasizes the role of ideology and ideas in shaping world politics and the need for an interdisciplinary and critical approach to the study of international relations.
   
2. 
   Structural Causes of War: Cox argued that wars are not only the result of individual actions but also the result of systemic and structural factors, such as imperialism, capitalism, and inequality.
   
3. 
   Historical Materialism: Cox applied the Marxist concept of historical materialism to the study of international relations, arguing that global politics is shaped by the interests of dominant social classes and the historical development of the capitalist system.
   

A relevant illustration of Cox's ideas can be seen in the relationship between capitalism and imperialism. Cox argued that imperialism and the expansion of capitalism were closely linked, with the pursuit of profits and markets driving the expansion of the capitalist system and the exploitation of weaker nations.
Another example is the role of ideology in shaping world politics. Cox emphasized the importance of understanding the ideologies that shape international relations, such as nationalism and liberal internationalism, and the ways in which these ideologies have influenced the development of international institutions and world politics.