Grasping the Nettle: Analyzing Cases of Intractable ConflictAmong the unwelcome legacies of the past century are a group of conflicts, both intrastate and interstate, that seem destined never to end. From Kashmir to Nagorno-Karabakh, Colombia to Sudan, the Korean Peninsula to the Middle East, these deeply entrenched, intermittently violent conflicts have so far resisted all outside efforts to resolve them.What lessons aside from the apparent futility of mediation can such dismal situations possibly offer? As the distinguished contributors to "Grasping the Nettle" make plain, this is not a rhetorical question. Unyielding conflicts offer numerous insights not only about the sources of intractability but also about such facets of mediation and conflict management as how to gain leverage, when to engage and disengage, how to balance competing goals, and who to enlist to play supporting roles.The first part of this eye-opening volume identifies and analyzes the defining characteristics and underlying dynamics of intractable conflicts. The second part turns the spotlight on no fewer than eight current cases, in each instance chronicling the conflict's evolution, evaluating the internal and external factors that have conspired to prevent a settlement, and assessing whether past peacemaking initiatives have in fact only aggravated the conflict. The conclusion makes the point that even intractable conflicts eventually end and highlights the strategic approaches and tactical steps that have yielded success in the past for mediators and conflict managers from governments, international organizations, and NGOs." |
Other editions - View all
Grasping the Nettle: Analyzing Cases of Intractable Conflict Chester A. Crocker No preview available - 2005 |
Grasping the Nettle: Analyzing Cases of Intractable Conflict Chester A. Crocker,Fen Osler Hampson,Pamela R. Aall No preview available - 2005 |
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accept achieve action active African agreement Angola Arab areas armed authority become chapter civil Colombia continued contribute countries create Darfur deal develop dialogue difficult diplomacy direct discussion economic effective efforts elections engage escalation established ethnic example factors FARC fighting force future groups identity important independence India initiatives Institute interests intervention intractable conflicts involved Israel Israeli issues Kashmir Korean leaders leadership less major mediation meetings ment military movement negotiations North official organizations Pakistan Palestinian participants peace process period play political position possible President Press problem regional relations relationship remain representatives resolution resolve result role Russian settlement side social solution South strategy structure struggle Studies success Sudan talks territory third parties tion transformation United Nations University unofficial violence wars Washington