ABSTRACT
Public policy practitioners and theorists often assume that the concepts and practices of conflict management and resolution can only be applied to specific, difficult-to-resolve disputes. In this entry, we explore another perspective, one in which theories of conflict management and conflict resolution shed light on aspects of agenda setting, policy formation, and policy implementation. We use the example of the Sabatier and Jenkins-Smith advocacy coalitions framework to demonstrate how conflict resolution theories can complement the existing public policy theories, and how they can provide prescriptive advice for action. Finally, in recognition that the field of conflict resolution is evolving and sometimes contested, we explore some of the critiques of the theories and ideas for resolving disputes emerging from a public policy perspective.
