Constructive Conflicts: From Escalation to Resolution

This popular, highly regarded, and comprehensive book synthesizes pertinent theories and evidence about diverse conflicts. Kriesberg examines the strategies that partisans and intermediaries can use to minimize the destructiveness of these conflicts. Not only does he examine large-scale forces that affect the various stages of conflict, but also the elements that contribute to constructive transformations at each stage. The diverse conflicts discussed are; the American civil rights struggle, the struggle for women's rights, apartheid in South Africa, labor-management relations, Palestinian-Israeli relations, protecting the environment, the Cold War, and countering terrorism, as well as conflicts in Northern Ireland, Chiapas, Mexico, and Sri Lanka. In addition to updating the conflicts examined in earlier editions, this new edition examines current issues, pertaining to ethical concerns, ideological and religious developments, and the changing global role of the United States.

Louis Kriesberg is professor emeritus of sociology and Maxwell Professor Emeritus of Social Conflict Studies at Syracuse University. He was founding director of the Program on the Analysis and Resolution of Conflicts (1986-1994) and continues as an associate of PARC. In addition to over 100 book chapters and articles, his published books include: Social Processes in International Relations (ed.), Mothers in Poverty, Social Conflicts, Research in Social Movements, Conflicts and Change (ed., Vols. 1-14, 1978-1992) and Social Inequality. He was President of the Society for the Study of Social Problems (1983-1984), and he lectures, consults, and provides training regarding conflict resolution, security issues, and peace studies.