26-08-2016, 10:39 AM
overview_pg.htm (Size: 16.43 KB / Downloads: 5)
This website contains a set of materials designed to help people better deal with difficult, long-lasting, and resolution-resistant conflicts. Some of the materials are theoretical--they discuss the nature of conflicts and conflict processes, and they discuss what conflict theory tells us about ways conflicts can be most constructively approached. Other materials are practical. They discuss typical conflict problems and potential solutions. While the practical material draws upon theory, it is largely based on practical experience and is designed to provide solutions to particular problems.
This overview is organized into the following sections:
Summary of System Features
The Ways in Which This Program Can be Used
The Theoretical Ideas Underlying This Program
Support Services for Program Users
The People and Organizations Who Developed and Funded This Program
Call for Partners and Contributors
Also available is a Peaceworks article on the system.
Summary of System Features
This system provides a low-cost supplement or alternative to international travel-based training programs for disputants and third parties, and provides FREE online consulting to people who want quick answers to specific problems. Key program features include:
FREE online access to over 1000 pages of full-text materials.
Comprehensive scope -- all aspects of intractable conflict are examined.
Materials address the needs of both intermediaries and adversaries.
Customizable study options: for credit course; certification program; on-line consulting on specific problems
Reasonable prices (with scholarships available) for online instruction, certification, and University credit.
Online user discussions.
Simple language (with an online glossary) for people with limited English skills.
Over 30 theoretical essays which explain the conflict theory that underlies the practical material.
Analyses of 100 common conflict problems including:
Problems defining the nature of the conflict
Communication problems
Fact-finding problems
Procedural problems
Escalation
Inappropriate use of force
Inability to negotiate trades
Breakdown of relationships
Discussions of 194 strategies for limiting conflict problems including:
New ways of analyzing conflicts
Improved communication strategies
Ways to agree on contested facts
Ways to develop and implement fair decision- making processes
De-escalation strategies
Ways to utilize force legitimately, and respond effectively when others use force in illegitimate ways
Ways to negotiate mutually-beneficial agreements
Ways to improve relationships
Summaries of 222 articles and books providing examples of conflict problems, treatments, and conflict theory.
Carefully indexed links to more than 200 other high-quality, web-accessible resources.
Opportunities for other conflict research, education, and training organizations to join the project as collaborators.