Blog - New Knowledge Base Content | Beyond Intractability

9 May 2013

The term "terrorism" is used widely — and often loosely — to refer to a wide variety of actions. But the legal definition is critical, since it determines legitimate and illegitimate responses and methods of prevention. Likewise, the scholarly definitions impact theoretical understandings of causes and effects. This article examines multiple definitions of "terrorism" and their implications for theory and practice.

Drones - Tool of War or Tool for Peace?

3 May 2013

In this cross between a case study and a personal reflection, Allyson Mitchell reflects on the impact of US drone attacks in Yemen. Looking at the assassination of Anwar al-Awlaki in particular, and other attacks that have involved civilian casualties, Mitchell concludes that peacebuilding in Yemen cannot succeed if US drone strikes continue.

The Darfur Crisis Continues

22 Feb 2013

Many of us in the US have forgotten about Darfur -- or at least, it has lost the attention and concern that it had several years ago. But as Yousif, Brosche, and Rothbart explain, the deadly conflict still drags on -- with resolution as elusive as ever.

New BI Essay on the ICC

20 Feb 2013

Bucheister has written an introductory article on the International Criminal Court, succinctly describing its history, structure, and functions. She also reviews its initial operations, which have led to a variety of controversies. These issues are likely to affect how it develops and functions over the long term.

Cultural Genocide and Racism in Cyprus?

20 Feb 2013

Cyprus is not just a conflict between Turks and Cypriots. This "frozen conflict," as many refer to it, is more complex than many outsiders realize. Ulas, himself a Turkish Cypriot, observes with both a personal and scholarly eye the growing conflicts between Turks and Turkish Cypriots in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Sudan and South Sudan: A Long Way to Go

30 Jan 2013

In the new article “Sudan and South Sudan: Post-Separation Challenge, authors Yousif and Rothbart analyze the current (Dec. 2012) relationship between the two countries. They survey the conflict over borders, the politics of oil, and the economic trade war that emerged following South Sudanese independence. Clearly, much work lies ahead before either country is stable and peaceful.

Peacebuilders Face Combat Stress Too

30 Jan 2013

In his summary of On Combat, McKinney explains how the many challenges faced by military personnel in combat situations also face peacebuilding personnel operating in insecure locations. McKinney highlights the many lessons peacebuilders might learn by reading this summary – and this book.

S-CARs Alexandra Krafcheck on Sports Peacebuilding

30 Jan 2013

Sports peace building is a relatively new endeavor that is growing rapidly. This introductory article by Krafchek describes what is involved, how it works, and approaches, and white is done. It also includes an informational video from coaches who of actually run such programs.

Interpretation of Rubenstein Reasons to Kill

14 Jan 2013

Nhina Le's interpretation of Richard Rubenstein's "Reasons to Kill: Why Americans Choose War" is especially enlightening at a time when the U.S. seems inclined toward a state of perpetual war.

Just posted: Facilitator Co-Debriefing

9 Jan 2013

Expert coaches and facilitators Philip Gamaghelyan and Christopher Littlefield recently contributed a new BI essay which explains how they co-debrief to help improve their own skills as well as the processes they are conducting. Typical topics of discussion—both during and after the completion of a program include relative power, roles, leadership, triggers, process, conflicts, and goals. By respectfully working through problems among the participants, between the facilitators and the participants and/or between the facilitators, this process can improve the process as well as improving both new and experienced facilitators' skills.