Constructive Conflicts: From Emergence to Transformation

Constructive Conflicts provides an analytical framework for understanding and intervening in conflicts of different types and scales, offering a way out of the destructive cycles of conflict management. It draws on research from political science, sociology, social-psychology, neuroscience, cultural studies, and other disciplines and presents examples of conflict episodes that have avoided extreme coercion or violence and resulted in the advancement of the interests of most parties involved.

Format: Hardback
Length: 378 pages
Publication date: 10 August 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Constructive Conflicts delves into the intricate dynamics of large-scale conflicts, encompassing ideological, religious, ethnic, and racial clashes, civil wars, labor-management struggles, and public policy disputes. By drawing upon a diverse range of research from political science, sociology, social psychology, neuroscience, cultural studies, and other disciplines, authors Dayton and Kriesberg offer a comprehensive exploration of the lifecycle of social and political conflicts.

The book begins by tracing the emergence, escalation, de-escalation, settlement, and re-emergence of conflicts across different contexts. Through vivid examples and empirical evidence, the authors showcase conflict episodes that have avoided extreme coercion or violence, resulting in the advancement of the interests of most parties involved. This analytical framework, supported by robust data, provides policymakers, concerned citizens, and students with a powerful tool for understanding and constructively intervening in conflicts of various types and scales.

The sixth edition of Constructive Conflicts takes a particularly insightful approach by addressing the evolving social and political landscape. It recognizes the rise of nationalism, the erosion of liberal internationalism, conflicts related to COVID-19 response, political polarization, and the Black Lives Matter movement as significant factors shaping contemporary conflict dynamics. Moreover, the book incorporates insights from the growth of 'bottom-up strategies for peace and conflict management, the challenges posed by misinformation in a 'post-truth era,' and advancements in neuroscience to enhance our understanding of conflict resolution.

To enrich the learning experience, the sixth edition is supplemented with end-of-chapter critical reflections, updated cases and tools for conflict analysis, and ancillary teaching materials, including electronic resources. These resources further enhance the book's utility as a valuable resource for students, educators, and practitioners seeking to navigate complex conflicts and promote positive outcomes.

In conclusion, Constructive Conflicts serves as a comprehensive and timely guide to understanding and managing large-scale conflicts. By presenting a multidisciplinary perspective and offering practical insights, the book empowers individuals and organizations to engage in constructive conflict resolution, fostering positive social change and promoting a more peaceful and harmonious world.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538160992
Edition number: Sixth Edition