The concept of land conflict

The article presents a comprehensive study of the complex and multifaceted phenomenon of land conflict, which has become particularly relevant in the context of modern socio-economic transformations and the reform of land legislation in Ukraine. The growing number of disputes over land rights is driven by the strategic value of land as a national asset, as well as by changes in the legal and regulatory framework. The imposition of martial law on February 24, 2022, has significantly affected the exercise of property rights, land use, and land disposal, leading to the intensification of contradictions among participants in land legal relations. The study provides an in-depth analysis of the concept of «conflict» as an interdisciplinary phenomenon that encompasses social, political, economic, and legal dimensions. The classification of conflicts, their key characteristics, and the mechanisms through which they transform into legal disputes are examined. Particular attention is paid to the secondary nature of legal conflicts, which arise from primary social, political, or economic contradictions that subsequently take on a legal character. The article emphasizes the need for a clear doctrinal definition of the concept of «land conflict,» as current legislation lacks a generalized interpretation of this category, which creates challenges in legal practice. Several approaches to classifying land conflicts are proposed, based on the composition of the parties involved, the nature of the conflict’s origin, and the method of its resolution. It is noted that land conflicts may arise between private individuals, between the state and citizens, or between local self-government bodies and other stakeholders, depending on the purpose, method, and legal regime of land use. Based on an interdisciplinary analysis, the article proposes a definition of «land conflict» as a specific type of legal dispute arising from contradictions regarding the legal status, use, or disposal of land resources, which requires resolution in accordance with the applicable legal norms. The research findings have theoretical significance, as they help to clarify the conceptual framework of land law, formulate doctrinal foundations for the future normative regulation of land conflicts, and contribute to the development of effective mechanisms for their resolution under contemporary challenges.