STAGE 1: RetrenchmentThe first stage of conflict escalation develops when a difference over an issue or frustration in a relationship proves resilient to resolution efforts. The problem remains and leads to irritation. The stage 2 threshold is crossed when one or both parties lose confidence that problems can be resolved through frank and fair verbal discussions. STEP 2: Debate The parties look for firmer and stronger ways to put forward their points of view. The dispute is no longer limited to a well-defined issue, but the parties begin to feel that their general position is at stake. The debates no longer focus only on which point of view has the most merit, but also on which one is most successful in promoting these views and how the outcomes of the debates affect one's reputation. When rational and relevant arguments do not guarantee success, parties resort to “quasi-rational” argumentation, such as the underlying causes of current problems to avoid blame; strong exaggeration of the implications and consequences of the interlocutor's points of view; suggestive comments on the relationship between the central issue and other concerns, relating the issue to broader value ideologies, referencing recognized authorities or tradition in order to legitimize a point of view; present the alternatives as extremes, in order to get the adversary to accept a “reasonable compromise”. Discussions now turn into debates, where inflexible points of view clash. Growing distrust creates a feeling of insecurity and loss of control. Efforts to control the quid pro quo belong to the later stages of escalation. The threshold to step 3 is linked to the fundamental right of each party to be heard for the mutual benefit. S...... middle of paper ...... the opponent. When a party is attacked in a way that threatens to break it apart, it is forced to go to great lengths to quell internal strife. The only restraining factor is concern for one's own survival. The threshold of stage 9 is reached when one abandons the will for self-preservation. When this happens, there is no control over continued destructiveness. STAGE 9: Total Destruction In the final stage of conflict escalation, the drive to annihilate the enemy is so strong that even the instinct for self-preservation is neglected. Even one's own survival does not count, the enemy must be exterminated even at the cost of destroying one's own existence as an organization, group or individual. All bridges are burned, there is no going back. The only remaining concern in the race to the other side is ensuring that the other side is also destroyed..