Recent BI and Substack Posts

Reflections on the many dangers of being absolutely, positively sure that you are right and they are wrong. #mbi_context

A look at strategies for fighting racism that seeme more promising than the current generation of diversity training programs. #mbi_context

We now have a list of 28 things that can be done to reverse or prevent escalation, but one sums up them all: respect. #mbi_fundamentals

While there are many things driving destructive escalation and polarization, there are also many things that can be done to reverse them. #mbi_fundamentals

A look at the political risks for Democrats in their support for aggressive antiracism and gender equity programs. #mbi_context

Much of our divisiveness is driven by the perceived imperatives of "mobilize the base" politics. Here is an important challenge to the validity of this view. #mbi_context

A window into one manifestation of what we call the Bad-Faith Actor problem -- people who try to profit by promoting division and dysfunction. #mbi_context

We tend to assume that it is their choices and their behavior, that is causing our own problems. It isn't. It is almost always US TOO! #mbi_cci

"A look at how political biases have distorted psychological research in ways that have underestimated the level of left-wing support for authoritarians.
#mbi_context "

A discussion of the dangers of over-simplification and what can be done to better understand the complexity of a conflict before you choose a course of action.

A surprising and encouraging report indicating that Hispanic Americans may no longer be disproportionately disadvantaged in terms of criminal justice. #mbi_context

The war on terror is no longer what it was in the years following 9/11. It has morphed into a new kind of warfare with profound implications. #mbi_context

Before we celebrate the tech companies newfound commitment to fighting disinformation, a look at one case in which they apparently got things wrong. #mbi_context

Stereotypes and distrust are hampering cooperation, but with effort, joint projects can bring people together to the benefit of all. #mbi_knowbase

Harrisonburg, VA, and its county, Rockingham couldn't be more different. But they are also surprisingly the same, which could be used to leverage improved relationships.

A personal story of what happens in societies that fall victim to the dystopias of authoritarianism and state failure. #mbi_context

Another reminder of the danger of allowing our political acrimony to continue to deteriorate. #mbi_context

A different and quite insightful look at the dividing lines in US society – one that goes beyond the simple red/blue divide. #mbi_context

Reknown mediator Ken Cloke reflects on the origins of bias, stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination, and what that says about ways to dismantle these scourges.

The establishment of Nunavut was the most far-reaching indigenous political and land agreement in the world, now seen as a model for other indigenous groups. #mbi_fundamentals

Reconciliation practices need to be practical and effective before they can promote personal enlightenment. For this, shared justice practices are needed. #mbi_fundamentals

The understanding of extremism as a social phenomenon should guide efforts to reconcile with former and current extremists.

History education forms narratives of conflicts that can continue tensions or lead to reconciliation, depending on how it is done. #mbi_fundamentals

Recognizing that Cameroon belongs to all who live there, and building relationships around that notion, is the best hope for reconciliation. #mbi_fundamentals

Rwanda's focus on security after the genocide has resulted in a repressive regime, not democracy. How stable will this be? #mbi_fundamentals