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Dynamics of asymmetric conflict: The case of the German Milk Conflict

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  • Alpmann, Jan
  • Bitsch, Vera

Abstract

The German Milk Conflict developed when an emerging farmer association challenged the large incumbent in the wake of an insufficiently communicated policy change, abolition of the milk quota. The organizations represent opposing sides of a common policy debate, market liberalization versus regulation. The study analyzed the patterns between the two organizations and proposed a grounded theory of asymmetric conflict. Due to the elevated level of emotions during the conflict, the study used a qualitative research approach based on 34 in-depth interviews. The analysis uncovered the interlocking patterns of simplification and emotionalization by the smaller association and rationalizing by the larger association. Results indicate how an active opponent can use policy changes to its advantage and how to prevent such a development. Recommendations based on the grounded theory developed, such as implementing suitable communication strategies, are transferable to a variety of changes and conflict situations in complex environments, such as the food and agricultural sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Alpmann, Jan & Bitsch, Vera, 2017. "Dynamics of asymmetric conflict: The case of the German Milk Conflict," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 62-72.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jfpoli:v:66:y:2017:i:c:p:62-72
    DOI: 10.1016/j.foodpol.2016.12.002
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    2. Piotr Borawski & Adam Pawlewicz & Bartosz Mickiewicz & Katarzyna Pawlewicz & Aneta Bełdycka-Borawska & Lisa Holden & Agnieszka Brelik, 2020. "Economic Sustainability of Dairy Farms in the EU," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(Special 1), pages 955-978.
    3. Meyerding, Stephan G.H. & Spiwoks, Elisabeth & Rombach, Meike & Lehberger, Mira, 2019. "Not only speed matters – Crisis response in the hypothetical case of a transport accident involving genetically modified crops," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(C), pages 55-63.
    4. Piotr Bórawski & Adam Pawlewicz & Andrzej Parzonko & Jayson, K. Harper & Lisa Holden, 2020. "Factors Shaping Cow’s Milk Production in the EU," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-15, January.
    5. Joanna Sredzinska & Pawel Sieminski & Monika Godek, 2021. "Income Situation of Dairy Farms in European Union Countries: A Synthetic Approach," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(3B), pages 993-1011.

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