Freedom

A window into what we collectively know about more constructive ways of handling the intractable conflicts that threaten both our relationships and our societies.

Welcome to the New Beyond Intractability
We have just completed a major reorganization and upgrade of the BI system — an upgrade that includes the addition of a new Constructive Conflict Guide which organizes BI resources around a comprehensive framework for thinking about conflict problems and identifying realistic things that can be done to limit or even solve those problems. The new system also continues to provide access to all prior BI content (at the original URLS) plus a version of our "classic" homepage.

Welcome to the New Beyond Intractability
Find out about the recent upgrades to BI including our new Constructive Conflict Guide which organizes BI content around a framework for analyzing and then limiting or solving conflict problems.

2. Intractable Conflict Threat and Opportunity

Freedom of speech and freedom of religion are two fundamental concepts in the American constitution. They have come under attack in recent years, both from the left and the right, who have been trying to impose their religious or ideological beliefs on everyone. The right imposing its will on the left by outlawing abortion, or the left imposing its will on the right by enforcing DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) are two of many examples. But one of the great benefits of a well functioning democracy is, indeed, the freedom to believe and behave as one wants to, as long as you don't harm someone else, or prevent them from doing the same.