Hedeen on The Future of Conflict Theory

Indisputably

Tim Hedeen (Kennesaw State) has co-published (with Heather Pincock) “Where the Rubber Meets the Clouds: Anticipated Developments in Conflict and Conflict Resolution Theory” in the Ohio State Journal of Dispute Resolution. From the Introduction:

The study of conflict transcends disciplinary boundaries and nearly defies categorization. Theories abound to explain the sources or conditions that give rise to conflict, or to understand the interactions between conflicting parties, or to predict the course of a conflict’s trajectory toward conclusion. It is mercifully beyond the scope of this article to organize all existing theories of conflict. It is daunting, however, our role to hazard predictions about the next thirty years of conflict theory.

We offer these predictions with considerable humility and a broad definition of “conflict theory.” Generalized propositions related to the origin or conduct of conflict, the attitudes or behaviors of conflicting parties, or the dynamics between parties or issues in conflict constitute conflict theory for the purposes of this short article. We recognize that in many areas of scholarly inquiry, Theory (note the capital “t”) is reserved for only the most strongly supported and reliably replicated propositions. Within this article, we will cast a broader net, seeking propositions that explain or predict conflict interactions but may not enjoy the standing of a robust Theory.

Tim also has an article in production at the University of St. Thomas Law Review, “Ombuds as Nomads? The Intersections of Dispute System Design and Identity.”

                       

Jen Reynolds

Jen Reynolds is an expert in the area of dispute resolution. Professor Reynolds received her law degree cum laude from Harvard Law School, a master's degree in English from the University of Texas at Austin, and a bachelor's degree from the University of Chicago. While at Harvard, Professor Reynolds served… MORE >