Tackling The Root Causes of Conflict

(Originally posted at www.EnjoyMediation.com)

Don't let the first sentence of the story fool you into thinking it's another fluffy conflict resolution article because it is not. It's actually full of some great quotes and information from Richard Rubenstein, from the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University.

First, the opener:

Richard Rubenstein, from the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University in Arlington, Virginia, believes conflicts arise when people's basic human needs are not satisfied.

I might be the only 'ADR-snob' that rolled my eyes (yes, I rolled my eyes at my iPad!) and said, "Oh wow, this seems like an article written by someone who has 'found' conflict resolution," but decided to continue reading and I was happy I did.

From the article:

- Prof. Rubenstein was in Malta as a Fulbright specialist and is working with the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies in order to establish a joint Master's degree programme in conflict resolution and Mediterranean security, which will begin in October.

- Prof. Rubenstein stresses that beliefs alone are not responsible for conflicts but the beliefs in the historical context are.

- Was it possible to negotiate with groups like al-Qaida or the Taliban? "With al-Qaida I'm not so sure; with the Taliban, yes...

- He says he believes the US and many other governments get themselves in trouble sometimes by assuming that they have a peace plan in their pockets...

Read the full article [here].

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