CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND DYNAMICAL SYSTEM

The field of conflict resolution has achieved a high degree of growth over the past fifty years: today professional negotiators, mediators, facilitators, and ombuds are called to use their conflict resolution skills to a growing number of clients in more diverse settings. However, intractable conflicts—also known as the “five percent”—involving very large social groups and issues, appear less responsive to the solutions provided by more traditional linear interventions. There needs to be a new way to address these intractable conflicts and a systems approach, rather than linear interventions, has proven more informative and successful in dealing with these complex conflicts. During the last two decades, a group of scholars and practitioners have been working to understand why these conflicts are so hard to transform and how we can add value to make a difference.

Dynamical Systems Theory (DST) is a methodology developed in the hard sciences to understand these complex systems—from the weather to the functioning of cells, using mathematical algorithms. We added the lens of social-psychological concepts and practices to better understand how to apply DST to conflict. We are now applying DST to conflict analysis and resolution for larger social problems and conflicts that are protracted, deeply embedded and have multiple complex issues. This DST approach goes beyond linear problem-solving and embraces complexity in new ways.

Conflict Resolution and Dynamical Systems (PS5210) is a required 3-credit course in the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Program (NECR). Students are expected to spend on average 20 hours per week on this course, including media, group work, readings, and other assignments. NECR SP5210 builds on concepts from Understanding Conflict and Cooperation (PS5101), where students became familiar with conflict resolution frames, theories, and models, as well as a basic understanding of the DST approach. This course will further develop and advance student understanding and use of advanced DST concepts and tools that will be useful for scholar-practitioners facing situations that require a systemic approach for more highly complex conflicts. It is a complementary approach that rounds out the other concepts and skills students learn in the program.

Throughout this course students will work individually and in groups on multiple case studies, to understand and apply DST methodology, while developing an appreciation for the more fluid and non-linear DST approach.

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