History and conflict resolution : challenges and opportunities

Official URL: http://risc01.sabanciuniv.edu/record=b1063527 (Table of Contents)

This thesis revolves around the question of whether it is possible to develop a history-sensitive approach within the field of conflict resolution. In conflict analysis and resolution, the significance of history in contemporary conflicts is not well acknowledged. The development of such a historical orientation will introduce a new perspective involving historical concerns such that it both draws on and enriches the conflict resolution tradition. Thinking about history may contribute to our comprehension of contemporary conflicts, to their resolution and finally to an eventual transformation of conflicts. In order to have a more thoroughgoing field of conflict resolution, a threefold -theoretical, methodological and practical- reformulation is needed. The task of solving conflicts on a short-term and long-term basis, or terminating them requires the inclusion of historical considerations into the theory, methodology, and practice of conflict analysis and resolution. First of all, its interdisciplinary character makes it possible to collaborate with other fields of social sciences. Methodologically, going beyond a simple positivist research approach will open up a place for the inclusion of history as well. Practically speaking, problem-solving workshops may be revised and re-designed with a specific sensitivity to historical concerns.