Conflict Resolution and Human Needs: Linking Theory and Practice

This edited volume examines Basic Human Needs theory and interactive problem-solving, looking at recent developments in thinking about both and how these might affect peacebuilding in contemporary conflicts of the 21stcentury. The chapters in this book concern two themes and the way in which their interaction can provide a hope for solutions to protracted, intractable and violent conflicts, such as those in Colombia, Mindanao, Afghanistan, the Balkans and many parts of Africa. One theme concerns the theory of Basic Human Needs and how the search for alternative satisfiers of those needs can avoid the necessity for adversaries to utilize violence in trying to achieve a sense of security, a respected and acknowledged identity and a satisfactory level of participation in decisions that affect their life, well-being and even survival. The other theme focuses on the process of interactive problem solving, which offers a methodology for examining the possibilities for rivals to work together to achieve their underlying objectives and needs, even when these seem to be wholly mutually exclusive. Featuring some leading scholars in the field of peace and conflict studies, this book will be of much interest to students of peace and conflict studies, conflict resolution, psychology, security studies and IR.