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The Conflict Problem and
Problem Treatment sections
link to sections on  the
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 Conflict Problems
     Framing
     Scoping
     Communication
     Fact-Finding
     Procedural Issues
     Escalation
     Force
     Integrative System
     Exchange
 Problem Treatments
     Framing
     Scoping
     Communication
     Fact-Finding
     Procedural Issues
     Escalation
     Force
     Integrative System
     Exchange
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TRAINING PROGRAM HOMEPAGE
CONSORTIUM HOMEPAGE

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International Online Training Program
On Intractable Conflict

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Conflict Problems

Conflict problem and treatment categories on the yellow menu side bar link to the detail sections below.

FRAMING PROBLEMS
Confusing Interests with Positions
Confusing Material Interests With Fundamental Human Needs
Incompatible Frames
Overly Competitive Approaches to a Conflict
"Into-the-Sea" Framing
De-Humanization of Opponents
Conflict Emergence
Not My Problem
Framing Conflict Itself as the Problem
Ambiguous Goals
Failing to Identify Available Options for Dealing with the Situation
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SCOPING PROBLEMS
Failing to Identify All of the Other Parties
Failing to Identify All of the Issues in a Conflict
Failure to Identify Opponent's Options
Differing Definitions of "Justice"
Ignoring the Conflict History or Current Related Disputes
Inadequate Information Gathering
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COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS
Misinterpretation of Communication
Failure to Understand an Opponent's Perspective
Cultural Barriers to Effective Communication
Language Differences
Misinterpreted Motives
Inaccurate and Overly Hostile Stereotypes
Lack of Communication Channels/Avoided Communication
Poor Listening Skills
Secrecy
Deception
Inflammatory Statements
Inflammatory Media
Inadequate Information Gathering/Time Constraints
Crisis Communication
New, Poorly Informed Participants
Constituent Communication Problems
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FACT-FINDING PROBLEMS
Conflicts of Interest / Lack of Credibility
Contradictory Experts
Deliberate Deception
Understanding the Meaning of Facts
Inability to Deal with Uncertainty
Analysis Paralysis/Delay-Default
Complexity Muddle
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PROCEDURAL PROBLEMS
Excluded Parties
Strategic Delays
Rushed Decisions
Lack of Clear Goals
Meaningless Public Involvement
Complexity Muddle
Unfulfilled Expectations
Vested Interests
Dictatorial Process
Timing Problems
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Contention Dynamics
Runaway Responses
Polarization
Personal Attacks
Violence
Sacrifice Trap
Tactical Escalation
Out-Group / Enemy Image
De-Humanization
Extremists
Crises
Emotions
Stalemate
Inflammatory Media
Procrastination of Response
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TYPES OF CORE ISSUES
The Denial of Identity
The Denial of Other Human Needs
Domination Conflicts
High Stakes Distributional Conflicts
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FORCE PROBLEMS
Failure to Recognize Available Force-Based Options
Assuming Force is the Only Source of Power
Absence of Violence Limiting Mechanisms
Failure to Anticipate Opponent Reactions and the Backlash Effect
Misunderstanding the Relationship Between Threat and Force
Illegitimate or Excessive Use of Force
Pursuing Force to the Bitter End
Submission
Subversion
Defiance
Defense
Coalition Building
Deterrence, Counter-Threats (and Arms Races)
Flight (Refugees)
Assuming Monolithic, Worst Case Opponents
Neglecting Costs and Risks of Using Force
Human Rights/War Crime Problem
Lack of Viable Military Options
Tyranny of the Powerful/Disempowerment
Ostracizing Losers
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INTEGRATIVE PROBLEMS
Neglecting Opportunities for Persuasion
Ineffective Persuasion
Differences in Values
Lack of Legitimacy
Distrust
Prejudice / Discrimination
Erosion of Traditional Conflict Management Institutions
Integrative System Does Not Exist or Is Very Weak
Upheaval Conflicts
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Limits to Agreement: Better Alternatives
Poor Timing
Overlooking Ripe Moments for Negotiation
Refusal to Negotiate
Attempting to Negotiate Non-negotiable Issues
No Legitimate Party to Negotiate With
Wrong (or Missing) Parties at the Table
Lack of a Negotiating Forum
Distrust Opponent's Willingness to Keep Commitments
New Leader Briefings
Requests to Abandon Power Options as a Precondition to Negotiation
Attempts to Unfairly Distribute the Benefits of Agreement
All or Nothing Approach
Scale-Up Problem
Inexperienced Parties
Poor Process or Structure
Power Imbalances
Third Party Not Effective or Credible
Failed Mediation
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Problem Treatments

TREATING FRAMING PROBLEMS
Interest-Based Framing
Fairness-Based Framing
Needs-Based Framing
Joint Reframing/Assisted Reframing
Integrative (or Win-Win) Reframing
Mirror Imaging
Accepting, Rather Than Challenging, the Situation
Power Sharing
Goal Clarification
Finding and Borrowing Eloquent Statements of the Common Core Issues
Understanding the Usefulness of Conflict
Balanced Sociation
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TREATING SCOPING PROBLEMS
Conflict Mapping
Strategic Option Identification and Costing
Analysis of Similar Conflicts
Identifying and Involving All Potential Disputants
Understanding Historical Context
Recognizing Related Disputes
Assisted Scoping
Conflict Group Formation
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TREATING COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS
Opening Lines of Communication
Question Stereotypes
Stereotype-Breaking Actions
Communication Accuracy
Active Listening
Dialogic Listening
Shuttle Diplomacy /Mediated Communication
Dialogue
Unofficial Communication Channels / Citizen Diplomacy/ Multitrack Diplomacy
Cross-Cultural Communication Strategies
Constituent Communication
New Leader Briefings
Crisis Communication Mechanisms
Respectful Communication
Communication Skills Improvement
Communication Pre-Tests
Rumor Control Teams
Telecommunications-Based Communication
Public Information Strategy / Media Management
Positive Media Involvement
Establish Personal Relationships
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TREATING FACT-FINDING PROBLEMS
Joint Fact-Finding
Data Mediation
Oversight
Credibility Demonstrations
Impact-Study Requirement
Dealing With Uncertainty
Technical Primers
Alternative Methods For Presenting Data
Truth Commissions
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TREATING PROCEDURAL PROBLEMS
Meeting Design
Meeting Facilitation
Majority Rule Processes
Consensus Rule Processes
Administrative Decision-Making Processes
Negotiation of Process Issues (Pre-Negotiation)
Good Timing/Identifying Ripe Times For Negotiation
Private Meetings
Public Information Strategy
Confidentiality Rules
Protection of Minority Rights
Action Forcing Mechanisms/Deadlines
Clear Rules and Procedural Expectations
Deliberation Requirements
Conflict of Interest Rules
Public Participation Mechanisms
Grassroots Process Design
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TREATING ESCALATION PROBLEMS
Escalation Training
Cooling-Off Periods
De-escalatory Language
Dealing with Destructive and Hateful Speech
Media Management
Step-by-Step De-escalation (GRIT)
Controlled Confrontation
Dealing with Extremists
Changing Leaders
Making Escalation the Enemy
Ground Rules
Crisis Management
Managing Strong Emotions
Peacekeeping
Observers (Protective Accompaniment)
Conciliatory Victory
"I" Statements not "You" Statements
Future Focus
Develop Personal Relationships
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TREATING FORCE PROBLEMS
Types of Power Other Than Force
Inventory of Available Force Types
Creation of Violence Limiting Mechanisms
Elections / Instituting Democracy
Empowerment
Non-Violent Struggle
Collective Security
Peace Zones
Civilian Defense
Long-Term Struggle
Strategic Retreat
Criminal Prosecution
Apology and Forgiveness
Truth Commissions
Human and Civil Rights Organizations
Understanding the Nature of Threats
Submission
Subversion
Defiance
Defense
Coalition Building
Deterrence, Counter-Threats, and Arms Races
Flight (Refugees)
External Intervention
Arbitration
Disarmament Strategies
Legitimizing the Use of Force
Peacekeeping
Forcing Power Shortcuts
Step-By-Step Application of Force With Negotiation Loop-Backs
Face-Saving
Re-Integration of Losers
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TREATING INTEGRATIVE PROBLEMS
Identify Integrative Options
Opening Communication Channels
Crafting Persuasive Arguments
Apology and Forgiveness
Confronting Hypocrisy
Finding Commonality
Humanization
Coexistence and Tolerance
Trust Building
Face Saving
Reconciliation
Moral High Ground
Re-Establish or Empower Traditional or New Conflict-Management Institutions
Joint Projects
Peacebuilding - Official Efforts of UN and Regional Organizations
NGO Peacebuilding
NGO Humanitarian Aid
Citizen Diplomacy
Church Involvement
Finding Common Values
Power Sharing  and Autonomy Strategies
Dialogue
Develop Interdependence
Establish Personal Relationships
Story Telling
Stereotype-Breaking Actions
Prejudice Reduction Programs
Compensation/Restitution
Establishment of Civil Society
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TREATING EXCHANGE / NEGOTIATION PROBLEMS
Negotiation
Official (Track 1) diplomacy
Identifying Ripe Times for Negotiation
Identifying and Pursuing Negotiable Sub-Issues
Negotiation Loopbacks
Principled Negotiation
Soft Bargaining
Hard Bargaining
Distributive Bargaining
"Yesable" Propositions
Third-Party Intervention
Mediation
Consensus Building
Utilize a Skilled, Credible Third Party
New Leader Briefings
Common Ground Projects
Deadlines, Compliance Guarantees, and Self-Enforcing Agreements
Brainstorming
Pre-Negotiation/Negotiation of Process Issues
UN Good Offices
Peacemaking
Getting People to The Table
Constituent Involvement Strategies
Provide Forum
Negotiate with Legitimate Representatives
Negotiation Skill Development
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COMBINATION TREATMENT STRATEGIES
Incrementalism
Empowerment
Advocacy Advisors
Goal Clarification
Insider-Partial Mediation
Identify Sources of Power/Power Strategy Mix
Analytical Problem Solving
Conflict Transformation
Transformative Mediation
Dispute Systems Design
Reality Testing
Preventive Diplomacy/Conflict Prevention
Constructive Confrontation
Training
Stable Peace
Coercive Diplomacy
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