Nature of Intractability

This is a diverse set of comments, but the all relate to the fundamental question of why some conflicts are so much more difficult to resolve than others are.

Louis Kriesberg explains his answer to the common question "Well, what would you do NOW?"

Peter Coleman discusses different types of intractable conflicts.

Sanda Kaufman explains that even the best conflict resolution processes may not work in intractable conflicts.

Frank Blechman believes the biggest obstacles for conflict intervenors are cynicism and lack of hope.

Elise Boulding says "Intractable conflicts are less so if one envisions a way out."

Pamela Aall, of the U.S. Institute of Peace, discusses the disagreement among scholars and practitioners regarding a definition of "intractability."
This rough transcript provides a text alternative to audio. We apologize for occasional errors and unintelligible sections (which are marked with ???).
Beyond Intractability Version II
Copyright © 2003-2006 The Beyond Intractability Project
Beyond Intractability is a Registered Trademark of the University of Colorado
Project Acknowledgements

The Beyond Intractability Knowledge Base Project
Guy Burgess and Heidi Burgess, Co-Directors and Editors
c/o Conflict Research Consortium, University of Colorado
Campus Box 580, Boulder, CO 80309
Phone: (303)492-1635; Fax: (303)492-2154; Contact