Conflict analysis is a structured process of analysis to understand conflict. It focuses on the conflict profile, the actors involved and their perspectives, the causes of conflict, and the dynamics of how these elements interact (Conflict Sensitivity Consortium, 2012). A huge amount of literature analyses conflict. This topic guide focuses specifically on the systematic approaches and tools for conflict analysis developed for policy and practice. It draws on reflective sections in conflict analysis toolkits, and where available on policy, practitioner and academic texts that critique the toolkits. This type of conflict analysistends to be discussed as part ofconflict-sensitive approaches, conflict resolution, conflict prevention and/or peacebuilding. This topic guide looks at the conflict analysis element (the analysis) rather than conflict (the subject) or conflict sensitivity, conflict resolution, conflict prevention or peacebuilding (the use of the analysis). Conflict analysis toolkits aim to help policymakers and practitioners develop a comprehensive and accessible analysis of key conflict issues, a shared understanding of the situation and a process for updating the analysis. Conflict analyses often inform a conflict-sensitive approach – to improve the positive effects and minimise the negative effects of working in conflict-affected countries – and provide a baseline to help evaluate interventions’ impact (OECD, 2008; Sandole et al., 2008; CDA Collaborative, 2013). Gender-sensitive conflict analysis identifies the gendered nature of conflict, the gendered impacts of conflict and the gendered dimensions of peacebuilding (Anderlini, 2006).