ABSTRACT

In the early days of the peace studies and conflict resolution fields, numerous scholar-practitioners experimented with applications of small group methods of training and intervention to the vexing problem of destructive intergroup and international conflict. Following the creative initiatives of the pioneers, others made important contributions to both the theory and practice of interactive methods of conflict resolution. Additional theoretical underpinnings were proposed, such as psychodynamic theory, and methods of practice were expanded beyond the Problem Solving Workshop identified with Burton and Kelman. Louis Kriesberg and Richard Schwartz of Syracuse University established the Syracuse Area Middle East Dialogue in 1981 in collaboration with local community members including Jews, Palestinians, and other concerned Americans. Christopher Mitchell worked closely with Burton and articulated a strong rationale and comprehensive description and evaluation of third-party consultancy as a voluntary and nondirective method of unofficial conflict resolution. Collectivist cultures that value social harmony, regulation by authorities may be less appropriate contexts for interactive conflict resolution interventions.