Glasl’s Nine Stages of Conflict Escalation model

Article by: Lars Weijers

Last update: May 12, 2026

Glasl’s Nine Stages of Conflict Escalation model: this article explains the Nine Stages of Conflict Escalation model developed by Friedrich Glasl. First, the definition of the escalation ladder and the context of conflict scholar Glasl are explained. Then the core principles are outlined, the nine phases are explained and a practical example of the application of the escalation ladder is given. After reading, you will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of this model and be able to use it in various situations. Enjoy reading!

What is the Stages of Conflict Escalation model?

Glasl’s Stages of Conflict Escalation model, also named as the “escalation ladder,” is a model that serves to analyze conflicts and their development within organizations. It provides a structured overview of the ways in which conflicts can evolve from a simple disagreement to a damaging fight. This model supports practitioners, including labor mediators, in identifying the growth of labor conflicts and provides support to organizations in preventing and resolving them.

The founder of the Stages of Conflict Escalation model: Friedrich Glasl

Friedrich Glasl, who came into the world in Austria in 1941, is the founder of the Stages of Conflict Escalation model. He is an anthroposophist and political scientist with extensive knowledge of organizational development and conflict management. Friedrich Glasl presented his Stages of Conflict Escalation model in the book Handbook of conflict management (2015). In addition to his work on the escalation ladder, Glasl has developed an impressive career involving himself in major peace processes. He also provides training and lectures on conflict management.

Principles of the escalation ladder

Glasl’s Stages of Conflict Escalation model is inspired by the idea that conflicts develop in different stages and can escalate or decline. The model assumes that conflicts often escalate due to triggers, such as a bad phone call or an ineffective meeting. Conflict can also be resolved simultaneously through positive actions, such as expressing appreciation or apologizing.

The escalation ladder, divided into three main levels

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The Stages of Conflict Escalation model, the escalation ladder, consists of three main levels, with each level also comprising three phases. This leads to a total of nine stages that chart the course of a conflict.

The rational phase (Win-Win)

The first step is the rational phase (Win-Win or Win Win Negotiation). In this phase, the conflict is still under control and the parties involved can talk to each other sensibly. There is still room for discussion and agreement so that both parties can work together to find a solution that benefits them both. The conflict begins with a slight hardening of positions, but there remains plenty of room to talk. Then the situation turns into a debate, where disagreements become clearer and both sides try to prove themselves right. As the tension increases, actions take on a greater role than words. Parties put pressure on each other and try to gain strategic advantage.

The emotional phase (Win-Lose)

This is followed by the emotional phase (Win-Lose or Win-Lose Negotiation), in which the conflict becomes more personal and intense.

Instead of looking for a solution together, the parties mainly want to win, even at the expense of the other (The labor mediators, sd). They start to see each other in a negative light and try to get support from others to be stronger. As tension mounts, loss of face becomes increasingly important. Parties openly attack each other to weaken and confuse the other.

Threats are then used to pressure the other party into giving in. As a result, the conflict escalates further and a peaceful resolution becomes increasingly difficult.

The Fighting Phase (Lose-Lose)

The final phase, the fighting phase (Lose-Lose), is so intense that both parties suffer harm. It is no longer about winning themselves, but mainly about making the other lose, even if it means harming themselves as well (coachingtheshift, 2024).

This begins with deliberate actions to inflict harm, such as damaging someone’s reputation or property. Then the conflict escalates further, where the goal is to completely destroy the opponent, regardless of the consequences.

In the final stage within the Stages of Conflict Escalation model, into the abyss together, both sides are willing to give up everything to destroy the other, culminating in total annihilation.

Glasl Stages of Conflict Escalation - Toolshero

Figure 1 – Escalation ladder model (Glasl, 2020)

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What are the 9 stages of conflict escalation according to Glasl

Friedrich Glasl’s escalation ladder lists nine phases of conflict escalation, with each phase escalating the conflict further (icoba, sd) Below is a detailed explanation of the nine phases:

Stage 1: Irritation

In this stage of the Stages of Conflict Escalation, the views of both parties become increasingly clear. Disagreements become clear, leading to tension. The parties are unsure whether to cooperate or oppose each other. However, they believe that the conflict can be resolved with a good conversation.

Stage 2: Negotiation

The parties develop methods to strengthen their positions. The conflict worsens and oppositions increase. They develop a better self-image than the other, resulting in irritations, personal attacks and manipulation. Increasingly, they focus primarily on the differences rather than the similarities.

Stage 3: No words but deeds

The third phase is characterized by a transition from verbal communication to nonverbal communication: no words but deeds. Discussion is no longer the solution according to both parties. Distrust increases. By paying attention to the other person’s intonation, facial expressions and posture, an attempt is made to find out what that person actually wants to say. Interpretations and misunderstandings then revive the conflict. Although the psychological distance between the conflict partners increases, they are not yet completely closed off to each other.

Stage 4: Camps and forms

During the fourth stage, everything revolves solely around win or lose. Both sides request help from third parties, whom they try to convince of their rightness. Black-and-white thinking now influences people’s views, contrasting a positive self-image with a negative image of the other. Divisions in the conflict have increased, but the parties do not yet want to lose each other completely.

Stage 5: Losing face

In this stage of the Stages of Conflict Escalation, the parties openly “attack” each other and question each other’s honesty, with the goal of exposing the other person. Emotions run high, and instead of talking about the content, the attacks increasingly focus on the person himself (icoba, sd).

Stage 6: Threatening

In the sixth stage, threats play the main role. If the other person does not cooperate, strict demands are made with the threat of punitive measures, such as a lawsuit or a strike. In this tense phase, each threat often leads to a new threat from the other party.

Stage 7: First attack

Threats become reality. Parties no longer regard each other as people, but as obstacles. They consider it customary to antagonize others, and even a little damage to the other party is perceived as a victory. Real gains are no longer achievable; all that matters is whether the other party suffers more damage than they do. This is considered a success.

Stage 8: Destruction

In the previous stage the damage was still limited, but now it is all or nothing. Everything is designed to take the other person down completely. Key components of the other party are damaged, leading to their loss of control. The goal of both parties is to cause lasting damage to the other, whether it is physical, mental or financial.

Stage 9: Together into the abyss

In the final stage, the parties have no other option left. They strive to destroy the other, even if it will cost them their own heads. They are willing to inflict damage not only to themselves, but also to their environment and future people who will have anything to do with it.

Here’s how to apply the escalation ladder in practice

Glasl’s escalation ladder works as a useful model for understanding and managing conflict. This model is often applied in practice to address conflicts effectively. Mediators use the escalation ladder to determine what stage a conflict is in. In this way, they can then take specific measures appropriate to the severity of the situation.

The Stages of Conflict Escalation ladder allows you to:

Better assess the intensity of the conflict.
Choose appropriate method to reduce the tension.
Gradually reduce the conflict to a manageable level.

This method supports mediators in their structured and goal-oriented work. By positioning the conflict at the right position in the escalation ladder, they are able to optimize their strategy.

Tip: The Rose of Leary is also valuable in conflict situations. By using questions or scenarios that simulate difficult conversations, you can gain insight into your response patterns under stress, such as aggressive, withdrawn, following, or leading behavior. This helps improve communication in tense situations. Read our article about the Rose of Leary

In Conclusion

Friedrich Glasl’s Stages of Conflict Escalation model is a useful tool for better understanding and addressing conflict. The Stages of Conflict Escalation model helps to clarify the different stages of conflict escalation, making it easier to see which stage a conflict is in. This enables professionals and other stakeholders to intervene more quickly and effectively to prevent the situation from escalating further.

By recognizing the stages of escalation, they can take targeted action to de-escalate the conflict before it becomes too big or complicated. The Stages of Conflict Escalation model also shows the importance of timely intervention and open communication so that the conflict does not escalate further and damage is limited.

So using the Stages of Conflict Escalation model helps to address conflict in a constructive way and achieve positive outcomes.

More information about the Stages of Conflict Escalation model

This literature clarifies Glasl’s escalation ladder and makes it powerful. The sources show how conflicts develop, which patterns are inevitable, and which interventions are appropriate for each level of escalation. A sharp mix of theory and practice makes the model directly applicable in communication, leadership, and conflict management.

Coleman, P. T. (2000). Intractable conflict. Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology, 6(1), 61–83. → Examines why certain conflicts become deadlocked and do not de-escalate on their own. Valuable for understanding escalation levels 7 to 9 in Glasl’s model.
Fisher, R., Ury, W., & Patton, B. (2011). Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In. New York, NY: Penguin. → Links the dynamics of escalation to negotiation behavior and shows how to combine prevention, de-escalation, and constructive negotiation.
Glasl, F. (2015). Conflict Management Handbook. Amsterdam, NL: SWP Uitgeverij. → This is the standard work in which Glasl fully explains the escalation ladder and links it to concrete patterns, behaviors, and interventions. Indispensable for truly understanding his model.
Glasl, F. (1982). The escalation model of conflict. Veröffentlichungen der Europäischen Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Konfliktmanagement, 1, 1–29. → Original basic article in which Glasl introduces and explains his nine levels of escalation. Essential for a clear understanding of the structure of the model.
Mayer, B. (2012). The Dynamics of Conflict: A Guide to Engagement and Intervention. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. → This book explains why conflicts escalate, how emotions play a role, and what interventions are effective at each level of escalation. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. → This book explains why conflicts escalate, how emotions play a role, and which interventions work at each level of escalation. It reinforces the understanding of Glasl’s logic.
Mitchell, C. (2005). Conflict, social change and conflict resolution. Berghof Handbook for Conflict Transformation. → Links escalation to social, relational, and psychological factors and shows why conflicts accelerate or become deadlocked.
Moore, C. W. (2014). The Mediation Process: Practical Strategies for Resolving Conflict. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. → Offers practical methods for mediation, intervention, recognition of escalation phases, and restoration of communication. Fits perfectly with the applied side of Glasl’s model.
Pruitt, D. G., &Kim, S. H. (2004). Social conflict: Escalation, stalemate and settlement. McGraw-Hill. → Describes how conflicts escalate and which mechanisms drive escalation. It reinforces the theoretical framework that can be used alongside Glasl.
Wall, J. A., & Callister, R. R. (1995). Conflict and its management. Journal of Management, 21(3), 515–558. → Provides an overview of conflict mechanisms and interventions that are well aligned with the practical applicability of Glasl’s escalation model.

How to cite this article:
Weijers, L. (2025). Nine Stages of Conflict Escalation model (Glasl). Retrieved [insert date] from Toolshero: https://www.toolshero.com/communication-methods/stages-of-conflict-escalation/

Original publication date: April 4, 2025 | Last update: May 12, 2026

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Article by:

Lars Weijers

Lars Weijers is an experienced copywriter with an extensive marketing communications background. His specialisms lie in creative and active writing, combined with good search engine findability. Lars also works as an event and account manager with a commercial focus.