SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cadet-latent-conflict

You're annoyed by a problem but avoid bringing it up for weeks. What type of conflict is that?

Latent conflict: a conflict that should happen but doesn't.

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  1. Latent conflict ✔
  2. False conflict
  3. Displaced conflict

Why: A latent conflict is real but kept under wraps, often because confronting it feels unpleasant. It may fade, drag on for years, or eventually blow up.

Huh, didn't know that: A false conflict is the opposite problem: people fight over a disagreement that isn't real.

The dad joke
Why did the volcano keep quiet? It was having a latent conflict.
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References

Answer: Latent conflict. A latent conflict is real but kept under wraps, often because confronting it feels unpleasant. It may fade, drag on for years, or eventually blow up.

  1. Learn to Lead, Volume 3: Indirect Leadership, chapter 9 (Civil Air Patrol) www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/L2LVolume_3__LOW_FINAL_4_MAY_13CC68236BDFE.pdf
    Latent Conflict is that which should be occurring, but is not.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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Test yourself in the game

Leadership & CadetsTwo people argue about grades when the real issue is something else. What type of conflict is this?Leadership & CadetsA rumor makes two friends mad at each other when a third person started it. What type of conflict?Leadership & CadetsWhat turns a difference of opinion into conflict?

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