Conflict resolution: New and evolving discipline

This is a well-written volume by key figures that contributes to the development of conflict resolution. It is not only an academic guide but also valuable in what it reveals in the minds of the scholars. It is a product of 34 chapters by experts from different areas of specialisation that demonstrates the interdisciplinary nature of the field. The book’s coverage represents theoretical variations, historical depth and topical breadth. Furthermore, the authors have attempted to combine theory, research and practice so as to respond to the questions which conflict resolution scholars have been trying to answer; where is conflict resolution coming from, heading to and whether it deserves to be a discipline or not.

The main text is divided into four major sections, with the introduction and conclusion forming independent parts. As well as introducing the main body of the book, the introduction (pp. 1–11) is about the nature of conflict and conflict resolution, including, among others, the parties involved, issues in conflict and attitudes and behaviour of the actors. Section I (pp. 13–189) traces the origin and methods of studying conflict resolution. Issues and causes of conflict are reviewed in section II (pp. 191–284). They include territory, resources, ecology and identity (ethnicity, religion). In the third section of the book an attempt is made to analyse conflict resolution methods and actors (pp. 285–434), some of which include conflict prevention, negotiation, mediation, NGOs and the UN. Features and challenges in the study of conflict resolution are discussed in section IV (pp. 435–668). Finally, the conclusion (pp. 669–74) is developed from the main body, summarising the emerging themes in theory and practice.

A significant strength of the book is the review of intellectual discourse that informs the field conflict resolution. It begins with an appreciation of the evolution and the theoretical aspects and terminates with a discussion about contemporary features and challenges in the study of conflict resolution. Theoretical aspects cover quantitative and qualitative methods, game theory, multi-method and constructivism. Some of the discussed features and challenges include terrorism, media, democratisation, culture, peacekeeping and peace-building, civil wars, human rights and military conflicts, as well as training and education in conflict resolution. The structure and the breadth of the discussion offer insights into how theory and practice have developed over the years and the direction they are taking – though compared to others this is perceived to be a young discipline.

One of the major flaws in this volume lies in the authors’ lack of due attention to gender relations at both theoretical and practical levels of the field. Perhaps their preoccupation with theory, research and practice resulted in overlooking the significance of feminism and gender, which are of vital importance. The end of the Cold War and the paradigm shift made people focus on a new range of issues in conflict resolution – ecology, the economy and gender relations. At the theoretical level, feminists could make a contribution to the relationship between masculinity, violence and the coercive nature of conflict-resolution actors. The discussion about the traditional Cold War/masculinist theories and/or paradigms leaves the reader unable to grasp gender aspects in conflict resolution.

The book evidently pays more attention to the developments of conflict resolution in the United States and Europe or the so-called Euro-America. Although the authors sought to focus more on these regions, and how they impacted on developments in other parts of the world, they paid less attention to the outcome of developed countries’ actions and reactions and how they influenced the developing world’s approach to conflict resolution. Furthermore, it seems likely that the centre of gravity in conflict resolution – at least for practice – has been shifting away from America’s hegemony towards Africa, Asia and other parts of the world. This is particularly evident after the Cold War and the outbreak of the intra-state conflicts. It would have been useful to offer more insights on the practice of conflict resolution from other parts of the world.

Overall the book is of considerable value to academics and practitioners with an interest in conflict resolution. It is a useful tool that sheds light on this fast-growing field, especially during this time when considered to be a necessary skill that everyone should possess.

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* Lucy Shule is a conflict resolution scholar.
* Jacob Bercovitch, Victor Kremenyuk and I. William Zartman (eds), ‘The SAGE Handbook of Conflict Resolution’, Los Angeles, SAGE Publications, 2009, pp. xxi + 682, ISBN: 978-1-4129-2192-3.
* Please send comments to editor[at]pambazuka[dot]org or comment online at Pambazuka News.