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Frayed Edges: Exploring the Boundaries of Conflict Resolution
Author(s) -
Fast Larissa A.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
peace and change
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1468-0130
pISSN - 0149-0508
DOI - 10.1111/1468-0130.00243
Subject(s) - impartiality , conflict resolution , neutrality , resolution (logic) , field (mathematics) , sociology , boundary (topology) , epistemology , political science , computer science , law , social science , mathematics , artificial intelligence , mathematical analysis , philosophy , pure mathematics
This article examines the boundary areas of the field of conflict resolution. It proposes that to advance as a practice and academic discipline, conflict resolution must define more clearly its theoretical and practice boundaries. Based on the assumption that this field requires its theory, practice, and research to complement one another, the article first outlines two boundary areas, that of theory about structural conflict and that of impartiality and neutrality in conflict resolution practice. The author proposes that developing theories about structural conflict will promote better interventions, an area where conflict resolution practice currently is underdeveloped. The debates about impartiality and neutrality in conflict resolution practice lead the author to propose two delimiters for practice—impartiality and inclusiveness—that will differentiate conflict resolution from other related fields. The article concludes with a recommendation about how integrating theory, practice, and research can advance the field as a whole.