conflict transformation

John Paul began to use the term conflict transformation in the 1980s after intensive experience in Central America opened a deep examination of his own as well as the dominant metaphors and language of the field. Conflict transformation and constructive social change include, and go beyond, the resolution of specific problems. Conflict is normal in human relationships. Conflict is a motor of change. Transformation helps to focus the horizon toward which we journey - the building of healthy relationships and communities, both locally and globally. The content in this section considers conflict transformation as it has evolved and informed John Paul's practice in peacebuilding initiatives around the world.

diagram

A Simple Process Structure

A diagram of a simple process structure, holding together circular and linear perspectives.

2003

diagram

Moving from Reaction to Transformation

A matrix mapping questions to hold in the movement from reaction to reform to transformation of crises/issues across scales of intervention from the individual to the systemic.

1998

diagram

Resolution and Transformation Perspective Comparison

A chart comparing the perspectives of conflict resolution and conflict transformation on various aspects of conflict analysis.

2000

diagram

The Big Picture of Conflict Transformation

A diagram representing the circular process of conflict transformation through inquiry around the presenting situation, horizon of the future, and development of change processes.

2003

document

Peacebuilding Practice: Five Operating Principles

Five operating principles underpinning the basic philosophy of the peacebuilding conceptual framework.

1997

document

Dilemma Posing: Framing Conflict as Interdependent Goals

A short article explaining the value and practice of dilemma posing in peacebuilding.

1998

document

Conflict Transformation and the Health Care Worker

An article exploring the role and potential contributions of health care providers in a conflict transformation and peacebuilding.

2000

foreword

Foreword, Advancing Conflict Transformation

The foreword to the second edition of the Berghof Handbook for Conflict Transformation.

2011

document

Conflict Transformation: A Working Definition

A table exploring the descriptive and prescriptive ways of understanding conflict transformation across four dimensions: personal, relational, structural, and cultural.

2000

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