Recent BI and Substack Posts

We need to focus on our interdependence, the importance of curiousity, humility, "process pluralism," and most importantly widespread education of the polity on better ways of dealing with conflict.

An appeal for the conflict field to go beyond interpersonal work to organizational work, particularly in businesses and business schools and an explanation of how peacebuilding "hubs" have been used in Belgium and The Netherlands to "scale up" peacebuilding to the societal level.

An exploration of the importance of framing and the need to take control of the destructive narratives that are so pervasive in polarized democracies. We need to replace them with a shared vision for our future -- one that is attractive to everyone including those with whom we disagree. 

Long-time conflict resolution scholar and practitioner, Carrie Menkel-Meadow reflects on the many causes of hyper-polarization and suggests new metaphors and approaches for replacing it with constructive, collaborative problem solving. 

A call for those with conflict-related expertise to do more to help society more constructively handle the scale and complexity of today's big conflicts while also more effectively countering the efforts of bad-faith actors who are actively working to inflame and exploit our conflicts.

Long-time conflict resolution scholar and practitioner, Carrie Menkel-Meadow reflects on the many causes of hyper-polarization and suggests new metaphors and approaches for replacing it with constructive, collaborative problem solving. 

An open invitation to participate in an online exploration of additional things that those with conflict -related expertise might be able to do to help diffuse the hyperpolarized conflict problems that are so threatening to modern societies.

In partnership with the Conflict Resolution Quarterly's new Feature Article series, Beyond Intractability is convening a new online discussion focused on the hyper-polarization crisis.

Different types of reconciliation are better at different times and places, and can be done simultaneously or sequentially. Choosing the proper order can determine success or failure. #mbi_cci

The same dynamic that is driving the hyper-polarization crisis in so many countries now threatens to turn the Ukrainian crisis into a truly catastrophic war.

A really perceptive exploration of the complex process of remembering and forgetting that is critical to the crafting of a viable national identity. #mbi_context

The new generation of neuroscience insights are revolutionizing the way in which we think about a wide range of conflict problems. #mbi_cci

An explanation of why, for a healthy democracy, it is so important that voters believe that their core interests will be protected--even when they lose an election! #mbi_fundamentals

The "invisible hand" upon which so much of liberal democracy depends is now being undermined by a wide range of "gray zone" attacks on negotiation processes.

Universities need to teach about ways of understanding and influencing complex systems, and encourage true multi-disciplinary efforts to do so. #mbi_cci

Armies of artists can engage people in peacebuilding the way other conflict handling professionals cannot. #mbi_cci

Addressing hyper-polarization as a complex problem is essential--but figuring out how to do so successfully is very tricky. #mbi_cci

An in-depth look at the philosophy behind academic impartiality with important lessons for those thinking about neutrality in the conflict resolution field. #mbi_context

For peace to be sustained, it requires a shared vision of the future that’s anchored in a shared understanding of the past.  #mbi_colleague

Civics education is critical to the revitalization of democracy. To be successful, however, it can't cross the line into political advocacy. #mbi_context

A documentary showing how everyday Americans are finding their own solutions to bridging the partisan divide, inviting others to pledge to do so too. #mbi_colleague

New study provides insights into how intergroup contact should be structured to promote support for social change #mbi_fundamentals

At noon CST on Jan 20, 2022 Millions of Conversations will convene to discuss the state of American democracy a year after the storming of the capitol. #mbi_fundamentals

If you are looking for another mega-worry that goes to the core of social sustainability, this is an excellent candidate. #mbi_context

Saving democracy isn't the job of politicians; it is the job of everyone who wants a secure and prosperous future. The time has come to stop complaining and start acting. #mbi_fundamentals