Types of Conflict Discussed

This knowledge base examines very difficult, destructive, long-lasting conflicts. (For more detail see What Are Intractable Conflicts? We explore what makes these conflicts different from other conflicts, and more importantly what can be done to lessen their destructiveness (see for example costs) and make them more constructive. Many of the things that are discussed in this knowledge base also work on simpler, more readily-resolvable conflicts. So this website will be useful for people with "ordinary" conflicts or people interested in "normal" conflict resolution. But it was really written for people who are involved in or studying the really tough conflicts, such as racial and ethnic conflicts, nationalistic struggles, the controversies over homosexual rights, abortion, and the conflicts between the "North" and the "South" -- the developed countries and the developing countries, for example.

Levels of Conflict Discussed

Most of the essays currently in the system look at conflicts that take place between groups (ethnic, racial, religious, interest-based) or states. But conflicts between two or three people -- for instance, between husbands and wives or parents and children -- can be very intractable too. Thus, much of the material in the system will relate to people who are stuck in difficult personal relationships. The "checklists" for adversaries and intermediaries in interpersonal conflicts (family, workplace, or community) highlight materials that are likely to be especially useful to people involved in conflicts of this type. Many of these resources will also apply to "regular" or "tractable" conflicts as well as difficult or "intractable" ones.

Topics Discussed

The modules in this knowledge base are split between theoretical topics and practical topics. Among the theoretical essays are discussions of

• what we mean by the term "intractable," and
• what makes some conflicts intractable while others are not (basically, what causes intractability),
• what causes escalation (several essays),
• what identity groups are and why they matter,
• what is meant by the concept of "ripeness,"
• what is meant by justice and how it can be obtained (several essays), etc.

Among the practical topics are:

• Negotiation strategies and tactics (lots of essays!),
• Mediation of intractable conflicts (several essays on different approaches),
• Dialogue,
• Cultural considerations (5 essays),
• Peacekeeping,
• Peacemaking, and
• Peacebuilding strategies (lots of essays!), etc.

The full list of essays can be found in the Browse system.