Recent BI and Substack Posts

Simple models won't work! We must develop conflict intervention models for higher-level complex systems. #mbi_frontiers

In the wake of the still disputed US election, we have a massive amount of work to do to respond effectively to our many crises. Here's how to start. #mbi_cci

Intractable conflicts are complex adaptive systems, so they need complex, adaptive responses. #mbi_frontiers

The destructive way in which we handle society-wide conflict is as big a threat to humanity as climate change. It deserves comparable levels of attention. #mbi_frontiers

Those who have been working globally on conflict and peacebuilding projects are now applying that expertise to the deep divisions within US society. #mbi_fundamentals

A list of six things we all can do to move forward in these fightening and chaotic times. #mbi_cci

We need to remember that difference is strength, and we should learn from and appreciate our differences, not fight them. #mbi_cci

Providing face saving opportunities makes it much easier for people to admit their mistakes. Humiliating them makes it almost impossible.

Transforming our destructive politics will require the efforts of lots of different "3rd siders" -- each working on a different part of the problems. #mbi_cci

Since the conflict ethos feeds continuation of the conflict, that needs to change for conflicts to be resolved. #mbi_fundamentals

Improving justice for blacks improves outcomes for everyone by increasing trust, security, and mutual understanding between citizens and the police. #mbi_cci

In intractable conflicts, entire societies can get tangled up in destructive psychological dynamics. #mbi_fundamentals

A suggestion that BLM expand its tactics to more extensively negotiate and lobby local, school, state, and national officials. #mbi_cci

Delegitimization drives escalation and violence. We can reverse it by deligitimizing escalation and violence! #mbi_fundamentals

An explanation of why this may be our best/last chance to make democracy work (and avoid autocracy and anocracy).

It is much easier to get people to admit mistakes when you provide them with face saving opportunities to do so (and when you avoid humiliating them).

Research shows nonviolence is far more effective than violence--it should be all protestors' go-to choice! #mbi_cci

The backlash coefficient measures the degree to which the quest for victory intensifies, rather than subdues, the opposition. #mbi_frontiers

Coexistence offers a promising alternative to today's all-out struggle for dominance among competing socio-cultural groups. #mbi_fundamentals

Today's culture wars are largely attributable to the fact that the different generations adapted their beliefs to very different social conditions. #mbi_fundamentals

We are facing a deliberate effort to make us hate one another to the point where democratic governance is no longer possible. We can't let it succeed. #mbi_to_do

Assuming that we get through the immediate crisis, we will need a major effort to improve the way in which we handle our conflicts. This Initiative is a place to start.

At the moment, it seems like most everyone is wishing that the other side would somehow just disappear. That's not a solution.

Before civility can provide an alternative to today's hyper-partisan dysfunction, we need a clear image of what civility is and isn't.

We need to think about social problems as complex adaptive systems requiring massively parallel problem-solving. #mbi_cci