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 ???).
I expect to pass through this world but once, therefore any good that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not come this way again. -- Stephen Grellett
Other Resources from Beyond Intractability Peace-Building: A Field Guide The authors of this edited volume describe how fieldworkers 'fit' in the overall peacebuilding process and provide details of the most effective practices.
Nobel Peace Prize Winners
Nelson Mandela Prominent figure in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, and 1993 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