Review of Florian Bekkers' Paper “Is Transformative Dialog a Possible and Justifiable Intervention for Resolving Intractable Conflicts?”

Abstract

This paper makes a significant contribution to conflict engagement theory by examining transformative dialog in addressing what is variously called “deeply rooted,” “identity-based,” “intransigent” or “intractable” conflict. While the term “intractable” may unfortunately suggest that addressing such conflicts creatively is almost impossible, creative engagement remains essential even if complete resolution is not realistic, particularly in today's increasingly complex global landscape. The paper offers both theoretical depth and practical guidance for practitioners working in the challenging terrain of identity-based conflicts, where traditional conflict resolution approaches often fail to achieve meaningful progress. Its examination of transformative dialog provides valuable insights for both scholars and practitioners in the field.