Parent (Previous) Guide Folders
  Constructive Conflict Guide >
  The Complex Factors That Make Intractable Conflict So Difficult >
  Conflict "Overlay" Problems >
  Communication Failures
______________________

Simple Misunderstandings

BI Article
Misunderstandings
Normal conversations almost always involve miscommunication, but conflict seems to worsen the problem. Even if the misunderstandings do not cause conflict, they can escalate it rapidly once it starts.

BI Article
Jonathan Stray: Why Build Bridges when Democracy is Burning?
Jonathan Stray explains why we still need to build bridges to "the other side," even if we think they are doing terrible things. It is the only way for those who want to protect democracy to "win" that fight.

Related Folders
Effective Listening
Listening, like respect, is something of a "magic wand" for conflict. It doesn't solve everything, but it can help tremendously by showing the opponent that you care and you understand what they are trying to tell you. And once you do understand their concerns, you will be in a much better position to find a mutually-beneficial approach that will meet your needs and theirs.

Colleague Activities
Unpacking Americans' Assumptions about Democracy
Americans have ways of understanding democracy that are inaccurate, incomplete, and are likely complicating much of our national dialogue.

Colleague Activities
Amerika: MAGA, China, Imperial Decline, Democracy
This report examines the current rivalries between the USA and China---two entangled but differently structured empires---which are triggering mental confusions, public anxieties and political misunderstandings and fears.

News and Opinion
Your political rivals aren't as bad as you think. Our misunderstandings amplify hostility.
From Kansas, evidence that our conflicts are more the result of misunderstandings and less the result of deep-rooted disagreements.

News and Opinion
Republicans and Democrats Really Do Misunderstand Each Other

News and Opinion
Once again, Democrats have misunderstood minorities

News and Opinion
Matti Friedman: The Wisdom of Hamas
A thoughtful argument that the opinions that many in the West have about the war between Israel and Hamas are based on serious misunderstandings.

News and Opinion
Misunderstanding antisemitism in America

News and Opinion
The Israeli Quotes That the Press Got Wrong
A carefully documented investigation of allegedly genocidal statements made by Israeli leaders -- an investigation that reveals how misunderstandings and missed translations can propagate in dangerous ways.

News and Opinion
The Birth of Aspirational Populism
As those on the left try to understand how they so badly misunderstood the strength of Trump's support, an argument for paying more attention to the allure of genuine opportunity.

News and Opinion
Nondelegation and Major Questions Doctrines Can Constrain Power Grabs by Presidents of Both Parties
A report on two of the biggest legal issues surrounding efforts to constrain Presidential Power -- issues that are often misunderstood in partisan ways.