What Are Intractable Conflicts? – A Video Series with Dr. Peter Coleman

The Five Percent Problem

AC^4′s Dr. Peter Coleman defines intractable conflicts, the five percent of international conflicts that are seemingly impossible to resolve.  These types of conflicts, however, can exist on a personal or global scale.  He highlights what we can do when we find ourselves in these types of conflicts.

A Conflict at Columbia University

Dr. Peter Coleman explains how tensions arose on Columbia’s campus regarding the Israeli/Palestinian conflict in the early 2000s. He explores what causes individuals to get trapped in conflicts with a long history.

A Conflict in the South Bronx

Dr. Peter Coleman explains how a series of gang violence episodes at a school in the South Bronx differentially impacted those within and outside of the conflict.  He emphasizes the importance of recognizing that how we interpret a conflict scenario may not be how others interpret that same scenario.

A Conflict in Mozambique

Dr. Peter Coleman explains how peace arose in Mozambique amidst a long, drawn-out civil war.  He shows how a small change in perspective and persistent effort can allow peace to feel achievable and sustainable, respectively.