| Abstract: | Intractable international conflicts and difficult or intractable family conflicts have much in common. Relationships are damaged or destroyed, escalation causes parties to become polarized and make bad decisions, communication is strained or nonexistent, and competition and coercion take the place of collaboration. Similarities also exist in the realm of solutions, and those caught in (or intervening in) difficult family conflicts can learn much from the strategies and tactics of international peacebuilders. This article describes eight steps that peacebuilders at both the family level and the international level can take to make very damaging conflicts more constructive. Key Points for the Family Court Community: - Limiting escalation is important in both contexts.
- Preventing or correcting misunderstandings is key to resolution in both contexts as well.
- Be sure you are focusing on the real problem(s).
- Get the facts straight (and agreed upon) before making agreements.
- Healing past wrongs is important for long term stability.
- Working both within and beyond the zone of possible agreement (ZOPA) is essential in both contexts.
- Working to improve relationships helps all parties and improves the outcome.
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