This book contains a collection of essays by leading conflict resolution analysts and practitioners from across the globe. It aims to serve as a resource for policymakers, negotiators, and mediators who are striving to resolve intractable conflicts that account for widespread casualties and immeasurable suffering, and that challenge governments with acute policy and security dilemmas.
The articles focus on elements and policies designed to facilitate alleviation of tension and contribute to peacemaking efforts within the context of negotiation strategy. Many of the lessons and policy recommendations are based on specific cases that were then translated into general terms. Much emphasis falls on inclusiveness as a key negotiating strategy, the potentially supportive role of international actors, and the psychological dimension of conflicts and conflict resolution. Additional lessons concern the challenge of paving the way for negotiations where rival parties face a deadlock.
Many of the articles touch upon several of these aspects, and together reflect three principal themes: general approaches to negotiations, case studies, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The section dedicated to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict reflects the particular interest at INSS and its Center for Applied Negotiations (CAN) in enriching the discourse on managing and advancing a resolution of this complex issue and on guiding associated peace-oriented policy.