Beyond Intractability: A Free Knowledge Base on More Constructive Approaches to Destructive Conflict
Nature of Intractability
This is a diverse set of comments, but the all relate to the fundamental question of why some conflicts are so much more difficult to resolve than others are.
Louis Kriesberg explains his answer to the common question "Well, what would you do NOW?"
Peter Coleman discusses different types of intractable conflicts.
Sanda Kaufman explains that even the best conflict resolution processes may not work in intractable conflicts.
Frank Blechman believes the biggest obstacles for conflict intervenors are cynicism and lack of hope.
Elise Boulding says "Intractable conflicts are less so if one envisions a way out."
Pamela Aall, of the U.S. Institute of Peace, discusses the disagreement among scholars and practitioners regarding a definition of "intractability."
This rough transcript provides a text alternative to audio. We apologize for occasional errors and unintelligible sections (which are marked with ???).
Mankind must put an end to war, or war will put an end to mankind. -- John F. Kennedy
Featured Links Organizations Making Noteworthy Contributions to Efforts to Promote More Constructive Conflict Worldwatch Institute
Other Resources from Beyond Intractability A User's Guide for Third Siders The Third Side concept was developed by William Ury. Third Siders are people who try to see both sides of a conflict and encourage cooperative solutions, fair fights, and decision making that advocates solutions which meet everyone's interests and needs as much as possible.
Nobel Peace Prize Winners
George Catlett Marshall Former Secretary of State and Defense for the United States, originator of the Marshall Plan, and 1953 Nobel Peace Laureate
The Beyond Intractability Knowledge Base Project Guy Burgess and Heidi Burgess, Co-Directors and Editors c/o Conflict Information Consortium(Formerly Conflict Research Consortium), University of Colorado Campus Box 580, Boulder, CO 80309 Phone: (303) 492-1635; Fax: (303) 492-2154; Contact