Introduction

This chapter introduces the concept of functional coexistence and discusses the rationale for this book. It recognizes the unresolved state of enduring conflict as an overlooked area of inquiry which deserves attention from conflict resolution researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. The chapter provides an overview of the four main parts of the book: (1) the theory of functional coexistence; (2) case studies of enduring functional coexistence; (3) case studies of emerging and transitional states of functional coexistence; and (4) implications for program evaluation, policymaking, funding, and future research. Additionally, the chapter presents summaries of the seven case studies: Cambodia, Cyprus, Northern Ireland, the Western Balkans, Armenia-Turkey, Arab-Jewish relations in Israel, and Armenia-Azerbaijan.