Complexity

Beyond Intractability: A Free Knowledge Base on More Constructive Approaches to Destructive Conflict

Complexity

Complexity
Complexity refers to the numbers and interrelationships of factors involved in a conflict: the numbers of parties, issues, technical facts, etc. Complex systems are even more difficult to understand and deal with than "complicated systems" from which they must be distinguished. This essay describes the differences between complex and complicated systems and explains how both make transformation or resolution a challenge.

Complex Adaptive Systems
Beyond complex, societal-level conflicts can be considered to be "complex adaptive systems," similar in some sense to weather, ant colonies, or jazz ensembles. The study of these systems requires us to challenge assumptions deeply embedded in the North American/European understandings of conflict intervention.

Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius -- and a lot of courage -- to move in the opposite direction. -- Albert Einstein

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Organizations Making Noteworthy Contributions to Efforts to Promote More Constructive Conflict

Joan B. Kroc Institute for International Studies

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Beyond Intractability

CRInfo

Nobel Peace Prize Winners

Mohamed Anwar al-Sadat
Former President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, and 1978 Nobel Peace Laureate

Beyond Intractability Version IV
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