ABSTRACT
This chapter develops a theory of functional coexistence, which refers to a sustained negative peace that enables conflict parties, intermediaries, and policymakers to resist premature settlement and remain constructively engaged in an enduring state of non-resolution. Functional coexistence emerges at the intersection of mutual non-recognition between historical adversaries who perceive each other as existential threats, and their reluctant acceptance of an ongoing condition of non-fighting that they learn to uphold. The enduring conflict between Mainland China and Taiwan regarding the latter’s political status exemplifies key aspects of functional coexistence, including the dynamic nature of perceived boundaries in controlled interactions between historical adversaries. While acknowledging conflict resolution as an ideal objective to pursue, this chapter argues for recognizing functional coexistence as a vital addition to the existing range of conflict intervention methods. By embracing functional coexistence as a legitimate alternative to established discourse in conflict resolution, conflict parties and intervention practitioners operating in deeply entrenched conditions of non-recognition and non-resolution can find a realistic starting point for sustained conflict engagement.
