From Conflict Resolution to Social Justice: The Work and Legacy of Wallace Warfield

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This reader brings together the writings of Wallace Warfield (1938-2010), the internationally acclaimed and influential authority on conflict resolution. The selected essays highlight the importance of social context in conflicts and the future and potential of the field of Conflict Resolution. After introducing Warfield's thinking and background, a first section highlights the role of race, ethnicity and culture in conflict, through case studies and step-by-step methods on how to deal with such issues. It also addresses theoretical issues and policymaking. The second section focuses on the role of conflict resolution in society and how it could become the key to building just societies. Throughout the book, it is clear that the subjects that concerned Warfield are becoming even more relevant today. World conflicts are less between countries and more within communities confronted with socio-cultural clashes as well as issues related to economic deprivation. Individuals who have been victimized by oppressors or oppressive systems are becoming aware of their rights, while globalization and electronic communication are showing them what structural changes -pacific or otherwise- are happening around the world. Ranging from the local to the international and integrating theory with ideas and practice, this work will be a unique learning resource and reference for both students and practitioners of conflict resolution, while highlighting the legacy and contemporary relevance of a leading thinker.

Reviews

In reading From Conflict Resolution to Social Justice one hears the gentle voice of Wallace Warfield sharing his wise insights, from decades of on-the-ground experience in tough places, about the not-so-gentle aspects of conflict resolution work: That it has a mission to seek social justice and not just manage conflicts, that mediators are not always neutral, that we all have multiple, not single identities, that conflict produces community, and most importantly, that we have so much to learn about ourselves and our field from the man who derived his theories-in-use from broad ranging international and community practice. Wally Warfield may be gone, but his wisdom and voice live on in this wonderful collection of his work. -- Carrie Menkel-Meadow, Chettle Professor of Law, Dispute Resolution and Civil Procedure, Georgetown University Law Center, US * Endorsement *
Wallace Warfield was a dedicated scholar and practitioner of conflict resolution. His writings have been at the center of attention of many colleagues and students who have been invited by him to the field not as a mere profession but as a way of life and a political statement of how scholarship can change the world. Social justice is not optional: it is the overarching point of reference for conflict resolution work and scholarship. This book edited by Alicia Pfund is a testimony of the impact Wallaces work had in real life situations. The texts included in this collection are powerful and central to the most important contemporary debates on peace, justice, and power. This book is a great contribution to the evolutionary dimension of the conflict resolution field; it is an expression of the fundamental trajectories that those who are doing and thinking conflict resolution are taking. From Conflict Resolution to Social Justice is an important book and a must read for any dedicated student of conflict resolution. -- Andrea Bartoli, Dean, School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, George Mason University, US * Endorsement *
I knew Wally before he was Dr. Warfield, and before he was Professor Warfield. But even then in the 70s and 80s he was already an innovative leader creating new ways to address racial conflicts in America and most importantly he was always a generous teacher giving the rest of us at the Community Relations Service countless opportunities to grow and develop skills. This book shares some of these opportunities to the reader. Thanks again Wally. -- Tim Johnson, Senior Conciliation Specialist, U.S. Department of Justice, Community Relations Service (Retired) * Endorsement *

Author Bio

Alicia Pfund is the Latin American advisor to the Dean of the School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (S-CAR) at George Mason University, USA and consultant in S-CAR's activities with Latin America. She is also a mediator with the Circuit and District Courts in Maryland, USA.