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This volume explores the evolution of theoretical and practical approaches to intervening in protracted conflicts, following the work of Herb Kelman. Interactive problem solving, as developed by Kelman and others, sought to increase understanding about the microprocesses of international relations. Kelman early on emphasised the centrality of an interactive approach for constructing new identities, new narratives, and new ways forward. Transforming conflict systems requires strategic attention to the interactions between agents of change that provide stability or induce shift. This volume on interactive conflict approaches includes both critical reflections and new ideas from scholar-practitioners who have developed, revised, and expanded these approaches. Contributors take up important issues, from the shape and likelihood of solutions in intractable conflicts to how individuals can exist in realities with seemingly irresolvable inner and outer conflicts. The volume represents the best of current thinking about how the mechanisms, theoretical framework, and application of interactive problem solving should be moved into the twenty-first century context of increasing complexity, increasing uncertainty, and increasing polarisation.

In this landmark collection, the voices of pathmakers and innovators in peacebuilding evaluation are assembled to provide new direction for the field. Stock is taken of the development and challenges of engaging in the real-time learning that evaluation requires. Best practices for overcoming challenges are discussed and critiqued, as well as some of the basic assumptions guiding the field. New means of gathering information and understanding conflict processes are offered and examined. To continue to evolve and strengthen peacebuilding practices and professionalism, multiple calls are issued for collaborative learning and a field-wide effort at community inquiry.

Why have settler societies moved from a traditional position of ethnic insularity to being at the forefront of multicultural change? This question is addressed through comparative study of Australia, Canada and New Zealand, set against the USA and UK experience. The Politics of Ethnicity in Settler Societies explores the linked processes of aboriginal dispossession, settler state formation and international migration, and argues these historical foundations are still closely related to recent trends in ethnic politics. Contemporary topics surveyed include, multiculturalism, national identity, sovereignty, globalization, and citizenship.

Pearson, DH orcid:0000-0002-5374-7074 ; How humans manage environmental sustainability will impact the wellbeing of future generations. Research has been considering the environmental impact of consumers' dietary preferences. This paper reports on the specific role of organic food in such choices. Results based on a survey of consumers (N=163) in Australia show that many want to have an environmentally responsible diet and believe that their purchases of organic food contribute to such a diet. When respondents were presented with 12 food attributes, 17% rated 'organic' as very or extremely important while 73% rated 'quality' as very or extremely important, and with the ten other attributes rating in between. Thirteen percent of respondents reported 'never' purchasing organic, while 2% responded 'always', 15% 'frequently', 36% 'sometimes', and 34% 'rarely'. Of nine strategies presented to respondents for achieving a sustainable diet 3% reported maximizing their purchases of organic food, 17% of respondents reported avoiding bottled water, and the other seven strategies rated in between. Fifty four percent of respondents indicated a readiness to increase their organic consumption. One strategy for growing sales of organic food is to encourage existing consumers of organics to purchase more of these products. This may require focusing on promoting its superior health credentials whilst offering it at comparatively convenient locations and competitive price/quality relationships. In addition this research suggests that there is scope to jointly promote the co-benefits of other environmentally friendly dietary behaviours, such as encouraging reductions in eating meat and junk food, as well as minimising the amount of food waste. ; Associated Grant:Ian Potter Foundation and the Australian Government through the Sustainability Development and Food Security Research Cluster at the University of Canberra

Argues that examining the interweaving of ethnic & civic elements best explains current tensions in ethnic politics in New Zealand in elite state & nation-building & how these shape patterns of inclusion or exclusion of aboriginal & immigrant minorities. Theories of ethnic & civic nationalism are discussed briefly & the distinctiveness of settler societies is explored. Recent trends promoting bi- & multiculturalism are examined. A discussion of legal citizenship since 1840 reveals the linkages & persistence of three historical trajectories: (1) the decolonizing of aboriginal people (Maori), (2) the decolonial movement among Pakeha (white Europeans), & (3) the partial de-alienizing of immigration. It is concluded that these trajectories reflect built-in tensions between different historical & current ethnic & civic representations of the New Zealand nation-state. 56 References. Adapted from the source document.

While waves of scholarship have focused either on the value of presumed universal models or of traditional practices of conflict resolution, curiously missing has been the recognition and analysis of the actual intermingling and interacting of western and local cultural practices that have produced new and emergent practices in our global community. In this compilation of case studies, the authors describe partnerships forged between local practice expertise and bearers of "western/institutional" models to build innovative approaches to mediation and conflict resolution. Including stories of these experiences and the resulting hybrid models that emerged, the book explores central questions of cultural variation and integration, such as the perception of purpose and function of resolution processes, attitudes toward conflict, arenas and timeframes, third party roles, barriers to process use, as well as how to remain true to culture and context. It also examines partnership dynamics and lessons learned for modern cross-cultural collaboration. Tamra Pearson d'Estrée co-directs the interdisciplinary Conflict Resolution Institute at the University of Denver, USA, and is the Henry R. Luce Professor of Conflict Resolution in the Josef Korbel School of International Studies. Her research areas include identity dimensions of social and ethnic conflict, intergroup conciliation and reconciliation, procedural justice, and evaluation frameworks for conflict resolution. She is also involved in conflict resolution training and capacity-building, and facilitates intergroup interactive problem-solving workshops. Ruth J. Parsons is Research Professor at the Conflict Resolution Institute, Joseph Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver, USA. She has taught, consulted on curriculum development, trained and conducted research in conflict resolution for 30 years. Her specific area of research and writing include culturally based perspectives, strategies and methods for conflict resolution and peacebuilding, as well as social work practice and empowerment.--

The problem of African advancement has an essentially political side. Since the discussion here is concerned with the overtly economic aspects of localisation, specific mention must be made at the outset of its political implications, especially of the possibility of conflict between economic and political aims. For example, it may well happen that at a given stage of economic development, a country would maximise its rate of economic growth by leaning heavily on imports of capital and skilled personnel, but that this policy is unacceptable on political grounds. Under these circumstances, the country's leaders must decide whether to subordinate economic to political welfare, or vice versa. Economic analysis is not able to offer any guidance on how this decision should be made: except to ensure that if political considerations are to be regarded as paramount, the full economic cost of a politically-oriented decision is known and appreciated.

Pearson, DH orcid:0000-0002-5374-7074 ; Due to the deterioration of small-scale agriculture in rural regions, and increasing concerns over population health, the local food movement in South Korea has recently attracted interest from many local governments and non-governmental organisations. This paper examines its potential to address some of the social and environmental challenges associated with current forms of food provisioning. This includes an assessment of farmers' markets, school meals, box schemes, and traditional markets. It concludes with identification of six issues that need to be managed for local food to continue expanding in South Korea. These being: reducing ambiguity surrounding the meaning of local food; greater sharing of production risks with consumers; improving coordination of government involvement; increasing up-take of appropriate production methods such as organic; maintaining opportunities for diversity of local food producers including small-scale family farmers; and finally, embracing local food sales in dominant retail outlets such as supermarkets.