What is the role of conflict in society?

To solve problems.
It may sound quite big headed of me but this is my belief on the matter.
Look at wars for example, what is their purpose? in many cases to try and solve problems.
WWII, i would say, to make sure Hitler didn't stay in power.
Now if he had stayed in power, that would be a problem would it not?
It really depends on your view of the world, but in most people's views it would have been a problem.
But in an "ideal" society there wouldn't any conflict would there? but of course in an ideal society there would be no problems.

But we do NOT live in an ideal society.

look to modern times however, with conflicts such as the gulf wars. Why were they caused? because in Americas eyes there was a problem.
I believe i am correct in saying it was caused by Iraq invading Kuwait. Now there is a conflict already, because Saddam needed oil.
A problem.
This caused a conflict, Saddam thought hey i can solve this problem by getting it from Kuwait.
So of course the rest of the world does not like this, they feel there is a PROBLEM.
There by they start a conflict to sort out this problem, see what I'm saying?
This could be said to be a stupid line of thinking though, and in some ways it is.
Many would say we do not need this conflict because we can solve this by diplomacy. This is true, but you must also take into consideration all of these various peoples (in this case leaders) motives.
I think you would find in these wars ALOT of these leaders are not interested in the slightest in diplomacy.
Hitler was not interested in diplomacy, i think this is very easily shown by how arrogantly he waltzed into various European countries and called them his own.
And the only way to deal with these kinds of people (in my view, and in most cases), is force. Its sort of like VERY disobedient children, and why the Anti smacking law is so damned stupid, they aren't interested in empty threats so maybe all you can do is smack em.

I got a bit side tracked, anyway. What about the gulf war? you could say it was too late for diplomacy, the US got involved because Kuwait asked for help from the invaders.
They had already invaded, its a little too late to send a UN representative to the front line "Hey everyone! just CALM down! no reason for all of this everyone just needs to chill out!".
I somehow don't think they would listen, it would be much more likely for them to change the angle of their gun barrels and, well....
But really, it is sad that these kind of people exist, that we do have to resort to this kind of conflict, but as i have said before it is necessary.
And for as long as differences of opinion exis there will be conflict.