 |
International Online Training Program On Intractable
Conflict
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Conflict Research Consortium, University
of Colorado, USA |
Quick Summary of Program Features
Under a grant from the United States Institute of Peace, the Consortium has established
an international distance learning program focused on finding more constructive approaches
to difficult and intractable conflicts.
The system provides a low-cost supplement or alternative to international travel-based
training programs for disputants and third parties, and provides FREE
online consulting to people who want quick answers to specific problems. Key program
features include:
- FREE online access to full-text versions of all program
materials.
- Reasonable prices (with scholarships available) for online instruction, certification,
and University credit.
- Online user discussions.
- Customizable study options ranging from a formal University course to online consulting
with mini-lessons on how to deal with a specific user problems.
- Materials which address the needs of both intermediaries and adversaries.
- Simple language (with an online glossary) for people with limited English skills.
- Comprehensive scope -- all aspects of intractable conflict are examined.
- Over 1000 pages of full-text material.
- Over 30 theoretical essays which explain the conflict theory that underlies the
practical material.
- Analyses of 100 common conflict problems including:
- Problems defining the nature of the conflict
- Communication problems
- Fact-finding problems
- Procedural problems
- Escalation
- Inappropriate use of force
- Inability to negotiate trades
- Breakdown of relationships
- Discussions of 194 strategies for limiting conflict problems including:
- New ways of analyzing conflicts
- Improved communication strategies
- Ways to agree on contested facts
- Ways to develop and implement fair decision- making processes
- Ways to utilize force legitimately, and respond effectively when others use force in
illegitimate ways
- Ways to negotiate mutually-beneficial agreements
- Ways to improve relationships
- Summaries of 222 articles and books providing examples of conflict problems, treatments,
and conflict theory.
- Carefully indexed links to more than 200 other high-quality, web-accessible resources.
- Opportunities for other conflict research, education, and training organizations to
joint the project as collaborators.