conflict / confrontation

[Daruma]

Hi,

a) There has been a continuing conflict between the representatives.
b) There has been a continuing confrontation between the representatives.

I don't see any difference in meaning between the words "conflict" and "confrontation" here. Do you?

[colloquium]

The word "conflict" is usually used for situations that last for a significant length of time.

"World War II was a lengthly conflict."

But "confrontation" suggests that the problem occured at a specific point in time.

"There was a big confrontation between John and Paul this morning."

These are not strict rules, but I would choose "conflict" as you are referring to something ongoing.

I'm not a teacher.

[tedtmc]

But "confrontation" suggests that the problem occured at a specific point in time.

This 'confrontation' occurred over a period of five years though:
Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Conflict is associated with disagreement or discord.
Confrontation is to do with tussle or struggle over(the possession of) something.

not a teacher.

[colloquium]

I wasn't suggesting an exhaustive set of rules. Just my opinion in relation to the given sentences.

Confrontation: –noun
1.an act of confronting.
2.the state of being confronted.
3.a meeting of persons face to face.

Conflict: –noun
3.a fight, battle, or struggle, esp. a prolonged struggle; strife.
4.controversy; quarrel: conflicts between parties.
5.discord of action, feeling, or effect; antagonism or opposition, as of interests or principles: a conflict of ideas.

I don't think confrontations are limited to disputes over possessions. That is a rather prescriptive explanation.

"I felt that John was being very dishonest so I spoke to him about the problem, but the discussion soon became an unpleasant confrontation".