ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the role that cultural expertise can play in conflict resolution research and practice. Three cases demonstrate the use of cultural expertise in different stages and types of conflict: an emergent community-based conflict involving refugees; active conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq; and the aftermath of civil conflict in Uganda. Conflict resolution is an interdisciplinary field of research and practice that originated after World War I, when many initiatives to prevent another large-scale war were proposed (e.g., the League of Nations). Although these initiatives failed to prevent another war, ideas underpinning them (e.g., international cooperation) created fertile ground for the field's growth in World War II's aftermath. The main aim of conflict resolution is to manage conflict proactively to generate positive change. The field of conflict resolution has evolved greatly since its inception.
