Functional Coexistence in Socio-Political Conflict

‘Just as scientists have redefined “dark matter” in space, the writers in this brilliant volume have shifted what are often seen as frozen or transitional conflict spaces–defined in terms of what they are not–into areas worthy of support and dynamic study in their own right.’ Melanie Greenberg, Managing Director, Peacebuilding, Humanity United ‘This important book explores the requirements of “non-violent functional coexistence” when so far prospects for conflict resolution are “out of sight.” It opens a major new field of further study in a neglected field which offers pragmatic and innovative guidance for theorists, practitioners, policymakers - and conflict parties themselves. It is an invaluable contribution. Highly recommended and essential reading.’ Oliver Ramsbotham, Emeritus Professor of Conflict Resolution, University of Bradford, UK ‘Peacebuilders have long known that a linear progression from conflict to peace rarely happens in practice. This book proposes a creative way to deal with this reality. Functional Coexistence is an important contribution to our thinking about how peace can be made and sustained.’ Peter Jones, Executive Director of the Ottawa Dialogue ‘… a genuinely innovative effort to go beyond Johan Galtung’s concept of “negative peace” as simply an absence of violence, and to show what positive changes might be possible in moving relations between former enemies in the direction of diminishing mistrust, stability, and a sense of independent security….’ Christopher R. Mitchell, Professor Emeritus of Conflict Analysis and Resolution, George Mason University, USA ‘This is an exceptionally important contribution to peacebuilding. It lays out a strong theoretical framework, supported by empirical data, for the proposition that many societies are locked in a precarious state of non-fighting—functional coexistence—characterized as neither war nor peace. We are given crucial insight into the dynamics within these societies and the adaptations taking place that might eventually lead to more positive peace. In this especially challenging period in international relations, this is inspired and inspiring work.’ Eileen Babbitt, Professor of Practice in International Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Tufts University, USA 'This book explores how to work with stuck relationships by promoting constructive engagement in negative peace. It develops a systematic approach to living together despite deep divisions. This is a novel theory that works well in a wide range of frozen conflicts. I highly recommend it to all theorists and practitioners interested in what to do when conventional conflict resolution processes prove incapable of facilitating agreement or healing broken relationships.' Kevin P Clements, Director, Toda Peace Institute 'Just as scientists have redefined “dark matter” in space, the writers in this brilliant volume have shifted what are often seen as frozen or transitional conflict spaces—defined in terms of what they are not—into areas worthy of support and dynamic study in their own right.' Melanie Greenberg, Managing Director, Peacebuilding, Humanity United 'This important book explores the requirements of “non-violent functional coexistence” when so far prospects for conflict resolution are “out of sight.” It opens a major new field of further study in a neglected field which offers pragmatic and innovative guidance for theorists, practitioners, policymakers - and conflict parties themselves. It is an invaluable contribution. Highly recommended and essential reading.' Oliver Ramsbotham, Emeritus Professor of Conflict Resolution, University of Bradford, UK '… a genuinely innovative effort to go beyond Johan Galtung’s concept of “negative peace” as simply an absence of violence, and to show what positive changes might be possible in moving relations between former enemies in the direction of diminishing mistrust, stability, and a sense of independent security…. ' Christopher R. Mitchell, Professor Emeritus of Conflict Analysis and Resolution, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, George Mason University, USA 'This is an exceptionally important contribution to peacebuilding. It lays out a strong theoretical framework, supported by empirical data, for the proposition that many societies are locked in a precarious state of non-fighting—functional coexistence—characterized as neither war nor peace. We are given crucial insight into the dynamics within these societies and the adaptations taking place that might eventually lead to more positive peace. In this especially challenging period in international relations, this is inspired and inspiring work.' Eileen Babbitt, Professor of Practice in International Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, USA 'Peacebuilders have long known that a linear progression from conflict to peace rarely happens in practice. This book proposes a creative way to deal with this reality. Functional coexistence is an important contribution to our thinking about how peace can be made and sustained.' Peter Jones, Executive Director of the Ottawa Dialogue, Canada 'This book explores how to work with stuck relationships by promoting constructive engagement in negative peace. It develops a systematic approach to living together despite deep divisions. This is a novel theory that works well in a wide range of frozen conflicts. I highly recommend it to all theorists and practitioners interested in what to do when conventional conflict resolution processes prove incapable of facilitating agreement or healing broken relationships.' Kevin P. Clements, Director, Toda Peace Institute,Japan