Conflict prevention and resolution

The co-ordination of conflict prevention and development aid in southern Georgia

by Indra Overland

1st Among Equals? The Instrument for Stability and Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding in the EU’s new financial perspective, ECDPM Briefing Note 39, May 2012

by Andrew Sherriff

Co-authored with SImone Goertz

An Empirical Investigation of Interorganizational Opportunism and Contracting Mechanisms

by Fabrice Lumineau

Lumineau F. & Quélin B. V. 2012. “An Empirical Investigation of Interorganizational Opportunism and Contracting Mechanisms.” Strategic Organization, 10(1): 55-84.

This study investigates contracting mechanisms in situations of opportunistic disputes between organizations. We... more This study investigates contracting mechanisms in situations of opportunistic disputes between organizations. We specifically explore the relationships between the formal versus informal nature of opportunism and the formal versus informal nature of contractual governance. We use a unique data set of 102 buyer-supplier disputes to explore in depth different types of opportunism—that is, strong form versus weak form opportunism—and different types of contracting mechanisms—that is, the controlling and coordinating functions of formal contracts and the cooperative and competitive sides of relational contracts. Our detailed empirical analysis suggests distinct relationships between the different contracting mechanisms, the different types of opportunism, and the level of legal fees necessary to deal with the dispute. These findings enable us to derive implications for research on the role of contractual mechanisms in dealing with interorganizational opportunism.

Paradigm Shift: China's Rise and the Limits of Realism

by Daryl Morini

Published in 'Security Challenges', Vol. 7, No. 1 (Autumn 2011): 91-112.

The Australian strategic debate about the rise of China is heating up. In the hallways of power, as in the lecture... more The Australian strategic debate about the rise of China is heating up. In the hallways of power, as in the lecture rooms of reason, the possibility of a future Sino-American war is no longer considered outrageous or alarmist. It is accepted as a distinct possibility, if not an increasingly likely one. One of Australia‟s most prominent thinkers on the matter, Hugh White, argued in his widely-acclaimed essay, Power Shift, that the US response to China‟s rise is a choice between competing against Beijing and risking war, withdrawing from the western Pacific, or sharing power with China in a geopolitical Concert of Power. However, the structural realist assumptions underpinning Power Shift are open to debate, as is the policy prescription that an exclusive Concert of Asia would best serve regional peace and stability in the decades ahead. Australian and regional policy-makers ought to question the limits of realism as the theoretical grounds of defence contingency planning for a potential war between the United States and China, lest they forget the national instrument which can and frequently has averted war: diplomacy.

Community based divorce education programmes: Short-term and longer-term impacts

by Sherrill Hayes

co-author Lori Pelletier

Evaluation of a community-based parenting education program for parents in conflict over child custody and visitation.... more Evaluation of a community-based parenting education program for parents in conflict over child custody and visitation. The evaluation shows the positive short and longer term impacts of this program on parenting attitudes and behaviors and situates it in similar programs across North America.

New challenges to empower international norms and practices in preventing mass atrocities and crimes? An analysis about violence and hate speech through media.

by Enzo Maria Le Fevre Cervini

Co-authored by Prof. Cristiana Carletti (Professor of International Organization and Human Rights' Protection at the University "Roma Tre", Faculty of Political Sciences, Rome, Italy) and Enzo Maria Le Fevre Cervini (Associate at the Center for International Conflict Resolution, School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University in the City of New York), Submitted to IPRA global conference ‘COMMUNICATING PEACE’, University of Sydney, Australia 6-10 July 2010

The capacity to communicate hate and anger has contributed enormously to the deployment of massive violent measures... more The capacity to communicate hate and anger has contributed enormously to the deployment of massive violent measures during conflict that often leaded to genocide and mass atrocities. The memory of Radio Mille Collines in Rwanda contributes to the argument of experts of how media and communication does lead to social reaction and, in the specific case, to social anger, revenge and “willingness to kill” the “enemy”.
The necessity of international law mechanisms to deploy a concrete message for the prevention of such crimes has not yet come to force. The path for the construction of a preventive framework to avoid future genocide and mass atrocities requires the empowerment of international regulations for the enforcement of hate speeches, messages and signs. A research approach that visualize this problematic in the overall framework of the emerging norm of the Responsibility to Protect, and in particular with the evolution of a institutionalization of the preventive action pillar that empowers in particular the UN Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, will try to cope with an existing dilemma in the field of communication between the freedom of speech and the necessity to avoid hate and violence through the media. The result of the research, conducted through the international norms of communication and the acknowledgement of new characteristics of the global community in the field of media will contribute to the evolution of a preventing genocide and mass atrocities.

La médiation en tant que dialogue raisonnable

by Sara Greco Morasso

REGIONAL INTERACTIVE CONFLICT PREVENTION: Exploring the potential of ‘cooperative diplomacy’ to increase the effectiveness of conflict prevention on a regional level.

by Tim Siegenbeek van Heukelom

Dissertation, Master of Peace and Conflict Studies, Faculty or Arts, University of Sydney, 2008

This dissertation will explore four developments and examine the possibilities and opportunities for an integrated... more This dissertation will explore four developments and examine the possibilities and opportunities for an integrated track 1½ approach, focussed on regional conflict prevention and de-escalation of intrastate conflict. The principal focus will be on how track one diplomacy can cooperate with track two diplomacy on a regional level in order to de-escalate intrastate conflicts and regional conflict complexes, and prevent them from crossing the violence threshold. More specifically, this dissertation will focus on creating a framework for track one and track two cooperation in which regional organisations can utilise Interactive Conflict Resolution methods to de-escalate intrastate conflict. To this end, socialpsychological theories of conflict and conflict resolution will be explored in an effort to uncover the potential of a track 1½ interactive conflict prevention approach. While confining the boundaries of track 1½ diplomacy, attention will be focussed upon the design of a regional interactive conflict prevention framework, which will draw upon ICR as a preventive measure to de-escalate intrastate and regional conflicts before they cross the violence threshold.

Family Mediators in the UK- A Survey of Practice

by Sherrill Hayes

Family Law, Vol.33, October 2002, pp.760-764 (Page numbers on the .pdf do not correspond to the page numbers on the

Reports on a research project designed to provide some insights into practice, diversity and the changing environment... more Reports on a research project designed to provide some insights into practice, diversity and the changing environment of mediation in the UK. The study surveyed family mediators using the UK College of Family Mediators membership database. Of the 761 questionnaires mailed, 283 (37 percent) were completed. The study provided a profile of the diversity of family mediators in the UK and explored the different strategies and interventions mediators say they use. Results found that for most practitioners mediation is a small part of their work. Most mediators reported using similar strategies throughout the medication. The research also drew comparisons with mediators practicing in North America.

Integrating conflict resolution into EAPs

by Sherrill Hayes

Conflict resolution (CR) has been known by several different names, including conflict management, dispute resolution,... more Conflict resolution (CR) has been known by several different names, including conflict management, dispute resolution, and alternative dispute resolution. Regardless of the name, the core skills and interventions are the same, and some of them will be familiar to employee assistance professionals. Opportunities for collaboration between EA and CR professionals have expanded over the last few years (Margulies 2008; Porter and Sawyer-Harmon 2005; Wilburn 2006), in part because of the similarities between the two fields. Both seek to empower individuals to resolve their own problems, use similar skill sets, and encourage alternative means of resolving workplace disputes and conflicts. This article provides an overview of some of the basic skills and interventions used by conflict resolution professionals and lists CR-specific references and resources. It also offers examples of direct applications of CR skills to EA practices.

What do family mediators do? A look at practices and models.

by Sherrill Hayes

The principles and frameworks of family mediation were clearly articulated in a previous issue of Context (Butlin... more The principles and frameworks of family mediation were clearly articulated in a previous issue of Context (Butlin & Elliot, 2001). What I do , as a mediation researcher-practitioner, is try and understand what mediators are doing to practice these principles and fulfil these frameworks. I have been conducting nationwide research into mediation practice over the last two years, which as included a postal questionnaire to mediators all over the UK and observations of practice. This article presents preliminary findings from the survey.

“MORE OF A STREET COP THAN A DETECTIVE”: AN ANALYSIS OF THE ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF PARENTING COORDINATORS IN NORTH CAROLINA

by Sherrill Hayes

This research project examined roles and functions of parenting coordinators (PCs) identified by AFCC's Guidelines for... more This research project examined roles and functions of parenting coordinators (PCs) identified by AFCC's Guidelines for Parenting Coordination and other literature. The researcher used a semi-structured interview schedule that included information about practices, procedures, and a series of five case-based vignettes that contained commonly occurring ethical and legal dilemmas in PC practice. The results found that PCs generally saw their role as enforcers of existing orders and primarily used skills in conflict management, parent education, and information coordination with other professionals. PCs would use arbitration powers to make minor decisions or refer to court as a last resort.

The Greensboro Landlord-Tenant Dispute Program

by Sherrill Hayes

This paper is an evaluation of a landlord-tenant dispute resolution program in Greensboro, North Carolina. The program... more This paper is an evaluation of a landlord-tenant dispute resolution program in Greensboro, North Carolina. The program is a partnership between the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the City of Greensboro Human Relations Department.

The Impact of Globalization on Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: A Return to the Formal Dimension?

by Natalia Leal

Presented at the Second Biennale on Negotiation, 17-18 November 2005, NEGOCIA, Paris.

In this paper, two different world orders and its characteristics – the Westphalian and the post-Westphalian one – are... more In this paper, two different world orders and its characteristics – the Westphalian and the post-Westphalian one – are analyzed in order to investigate their potential impact on how each one of these periods has determined the degree of formalism of its own conflict management/resolution systems and mechanisms. Therefore, I will focus on the notion of formalism, as an analytical tool, and on the paradoxical trends registered when a comparison is established between the globalization phenomenon as a whole and the particular area of conflict resolution. Attention will equally be directed to other relevant aspects, since this paradox seems to be enhanced when it is compared to previous periods and when it is observed at different levels. Does the degree of formalism of a specific order profoundly determine the formalism of its conflict resolution mechanisms?

Conflict Prevention from the European Union’s perspective: from scholars and practitioners to the EU policy-makers?

by Natalia Leal

Draft. Presented at the Conflict Research Society Annual Conference 2006, University of Aston, Birmingham, 5-7 September 2006.

The aim of this paper is to investigate how the concept of conflict prevention appeared and developed within the... more The aim of this paper is to investigate how the concept of conflict prevention appeared and developed within the European Union framework and institutions, and to compare it with the most relevant academic literature on the topic. Has the EU been able to adequately incorporate this notion and its associated ideas in its vocabulary or is it attempting (consciously or not) to develop its own new lexicon and approach? How much do scholars and European policy-makers agree on this topic?

Rethinking the European Union’s role in the global arena: the relevance of conflict prevention

by Natalia Leal

Draft. Presented at the Sixth Pan-European Conference on International Relations, Turin, Italy, 12-15 September 2007.

The European Union is one of the key institutional frameworks in today's world, and one that has included... more The European Union is one of the key institutional frameworks in today's world, and one that has included security-related projects since its very beginning. Bearing in mind the 'recent' transformations of the international arena, the EU has been trying to adapt itself to a new security context; namely, it has been developing an ability to intervene in situations of tension and conflict, before, during and after these circumstances occur. One of the concerns underlying this continuum of actions has been the notion of conflict prevention.

In this paper, I propose to discuss the notion of conflict prevention within the European Union context and assess the relevance of this notion as one of the core elements in the redefinition of the EU's role in the contemporary world. For that purpose, I will briefly discuss the role of the EU in the world. Then, I will trace the origins of conflict prevention in the EU, and make a concise analysis of the EU’s most significant documents and actions in this domain. Finally, I will try to establish how its role in conflict prevention has contributed for the EU’s repositioning as a major global actor, arguing that conflict prevention is an intrinsic part of the EU’s alternative security role, at the core of its own security identity.

Re-imag(in)ing the European Union’s role in the global arena: the relevance of conflict and crisis prevention

by Natalia Leal

Draft. Presented at the ECPR Joint Sessions 2008 - Workshop 2: The European Union as a Global Conflict Manager: From Pragmatic Ad-hocism to Policy Coherence?, Sciences Po, Rennes, France, 11-16 April 2008.

The European Union is one of the key institutional frameworks in today's world, but its ‘place’ in the global arena... more The European Union is one of the key institutional frameworks in today's world, but its ‘place’ in the global arena has not always been the same. Even tough it has always included security-related projects, more recently the EU has been trying to adapt itself to a new and ‘demanding’ security context. This has included the development and improvement of its ability to intervene in situations of tension and crisis, before, during and after these circumstances occur.

Building on the notions of image and image management, this paper discusses the relevance of European conflict prevention as a core element contributing to the redefinition of the EU's international image and role in the contemporary world.

It briefly discusses the role of the EU in the world, highlighting the expectations and ambitions created around it, and traces the origins of conflict prevention in the EU. Then, it provides a concise analysis of the EU’s most significant actions and discourse in conflict prevention, two of the elements that contribute to determine its overall (security) image. Finally, it tries to establish how its image as a ‘conflict preventer’ has contributed for the EU’s repositioning as a major global actor, arguing that conflict prevention is an intrinsic part of the EU’s alternative security image.

European Conflict Prevention: Is There a Role for the European Union Presidency in Policy-Making?

by Natalia Leal

Published by - RIEAS: Research Paper, No. 123, (August 2008)

The field of conflict prevention is a somewhat abnormal one within the EU, mainly because it is fairly recent and it... more The field of conflict prevention is a somewhat abnormal one within the EU, mainly because it is fairly recent and it spreads across different pillars, involving not only communitarian, but also intergovernmental institutions, resources, and decision-making procedures. The Presidency of the Council of the European Union, on the other hand, is an entity whose role and relevance are generally neglected or dimished. Nevertheless and in spite of its apparent powerless nature, it is for many one of the core entities of the European Union.

This paper explores the potential influence of the EU Presidency over decision- and policy-formulation and argues that its role, namely in the field of European conflict prevention, is far more relevant than most authors recognise. For that purpose, after some initial considerations over the nature of the field of European conflict prevention and an overview of its most relevant documents and activities in the last 10-15 years, the origins and developments of the EU Presidency in the last decades are traced in order to explore the role it can currently play on what concerns (external) conflict prevention policy-formulation.

In the end, it is shown that, even though in varying degrees, mostly due to the EU's pillared-structure, the Presidency can indeed have a saying and a real impact in the domain of conflict prevention (as in most other EU policy areas).

Statebuilding at the Heart of Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding

by Daniel Fiott

Natural Resources and Conflict Prevention in Practice

by Daniel Fiott