Recent BI and Substack Posts

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

We've updated our collection of learning materials focused on rising threat of authoritarianism and populist revolts on the left and right. #mbi_fundamentals

Pursuing truth, accountability, apology, and structural and policy changes all contribute to reconciliation. #mbi_fundamentals

Providing an historical and theoretical basis for the concept of reconciliation and beginning to explore ways it can be pursued. #mbi_fundamentals

We need to better understand how to see and avoid the many traps (and sinister cons) that are dragging us into ever more destructive conflict. #mbi_frontiers

While it is always hard to make good-faith democratic governance work, it is even harder when people are actively trying to make it fail. #mbi_frontiers

Like the vulnerable US football players, we need better ways to protect ourselves from destructive efforts to undermine our ability to work together. #mbi_frontiers

As an introduction to a series of three videos that we will be posting this week on the "Bad-Faith Actor" problem, a look at how this fits into the larger problem of how to more constructively handle intractable conflict. #mbi_frontiers

Even when conflicts are stalemated, some common ground is likely to give disputants a toe-hold onto transformation. #mbi_fundamentals

Equalizing power actually helps both the powerful and the powerless, as it makes negotiation and mutually-beneficial outcomes possible for all. #mbi_fundamentals

Small groups can use the tools of large groups to develop consensus visions of their future relationship--often with even more success. #mbi_fundamentals

Reframing us-vesus them, conciliatory gestures, and using the optimal power strategy mix are several approaches that can further reconciliation. #mbi_fundamentals

By first listening, and second speaking in respectful and surprisingly "reasonable" ways, people can de-escalate conflicts and begin to work on reconciliation. #mbi_fundamentals