ABSTRACT
Implicit in this chapter is the assumption of a fundamental “two-culture problem” (or even conflict) between (a) academics or theorists in peace and conflict studies and (b) practitioners of conflict resolution and peacebuilding, including governmental policymakers as well as governmental and non-governmental interveners in complex conflict situations. Each occupies a polar terminal point on a gradient (or “bridge of fire”) linking (but also separating) the (a) philosophical/theoretical and (b) empirical/observable domains of inquiry. It is further assumed that each is ideologically predisposed not to cross over to interact and collaborate with the other, even though both conflict/conflict resolution theorists and conflict resolution practitioners/policymakers would benefit from communicating, cooperating, coordinating, and collaborating with one another (see Nan 2004).
