We all use some model or theoretical approach as we work with our clients. It matters not what type of peacemaking work we are doing. We do so from the foundation of some conceptual construct. More, we aim for the results most frequently associated with that construct. Most of these constructs have a recent origin. Rarely do we think about the evolution of peacemaking.

This article comes to remind you that we can…

(First published in Conflictconversations.org)

Dr. Athena Staik has imagined what a child might say to warring parents to mitigate the harm done by their conflict. Click …

Tune in Wednesday, July 24 at 4:30 pm Eastern time for our upcoming show featuring an  ACR Annual Conference Workshop Preview - Dorit Cypis and Susan Oetgen's session titled "Performing Empathy: What Artistic Sensibility Brings to Conflict Resolution."

Empathy is more than feeling for another; empathy allows us to listen for…

"...Public diplomacy is critical in extending civilian-military power. It combines soft and hard power to make the kind of “smart power” that is necessary to succeed." 

-Tara Sonenshine, U.S. Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy…

Empathy is the Secret Weapon



Having the ability to combat hate requires skills that are also necessary of mediators and other conflict professionals.  One such skill is…

After my last blog on empathy I reflected on some of my other relationships and realized I have a friend I know so well that in most cases I can correctly tell what she’s thinking and how she’s feeling. So if missing empathy is one’s inability to determine another individual's feelings – does that mean that I’m super empathetic? Or is there more to it?

Experts on the topic, such as Paul Ekman (the author of “Telling Lies” and the inspiration behind the TV series…

Over the last few months I’ve found myself in conflict with a dear friend over and over again due to our inability to correctly recognize and predict each other’s emotional responses. But just as a lack of empathy can cause conflicts, empathy can be an important tool. Mauricio Hernández Sarti finds that

“empathy is one of the most powerful processes that allows forgiveness and understanding … to resolve conflicts” (…

Originally Posted at:

Untangledresolutions.blogspot.com…