Approaches to Conflict Transformation

This report looks at conflict transformation methods employed by third-parties and what lessons can be learned from practical experience. Following an introductory chapter that presents an overview of conflict transformation theory and an introduction to process design, the main body of the report presents case studies of dialogue processes, mediation space and diapraxis, culturally-balanced co-mediation, local mediation, ombuds institutions, and early warning and rapid response mechanisms.The cases are based on experiences from Algeria, Denmark, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Tajikistan and Yemen. While each case yields its own individual lessons a number of common points for reflection emerge. Many of the cases highlight the limits to the influence of any third-party intervener while nonetheless confirming that, under the right circumstances and with the right approach, they can play a constructive role. The examples of local mediation and culturally-balanced co-mediation emphasize that the traditional notion of a neutral outsider is not the only approach to ensuring third-party neutrality and impartiality. The importance of establishing clear objectives for a process is made clear although the different nature of the interventions illustrates that sometimes the objective will be quite specific while in other cases it will start quite broad until discussions with the parties helps to narrow it down. From the discussion on ombuds institutions and early warning mechanisms a clear message emerges that the sustainability of conflict resolution mechanisms requires some degree of institutionalization. Finally, the diversity of experiences represented in the report confirms the fundamental truth that every conflict is different and requires its own tailor-made approach which can only be designed based on a sound analysis and understanding of the conflict.