Little Book of Conflict Transformation: Clear Articulation Of The Guiding Principles By A Pioneer In The Field

by John Paul Lederach

A guide to conflict resolution, or as the author prefers, “conflict transformation” that emphasizes the importance of building relationships and social structures through a radical respect for human rights and life.

This clearly articulated statement offers a hopeful and workable approach to conflict—that eternally beleaguering human situation. John Paul Lederach is internationally recognized for his breakthrough thinking and action related to conflict on all levels—person-to-person, factions within communities, warring nations. He explores why "conflict transformation " is more appropriate than "conflict resolution " or " management ." But he refuses to be drawn into impractical idealism. Topics

Firmly rooted in faith and Mennonite teachings, and related to the popular concept of restorative justice, conflict transformation is an idea with a deep reach. Its practice, says Lederach, requires "both solutions and social change." It asks not simply "How do we end something not desired?" but "How do we end something destructive and build something desired?" How do we deal with the immediate crisis, as well as the long-term situation? What disciplines make such thinking and practices possible?

This title is part of The Little Books of Justice and Peacebuilding series.

Genres: Nonfiction, School, Communication, Leadership, Justice, College, Politics

80 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2003

About the author

Dr. John Paul Lederach is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work in the fields of peacebuilding and conflict transformation. He is widely known for the development of culturally based approaches to conflict transformation; the design and implementation of integrative, strategic approaches to peacebuilding; and for carving a robust integration of the arts and social change. Over the course of his career, Lederach has garnered extensive experience working with non-governmental organizations, community-based initiatives impacted by cycles of violence, and national peace process design. He has worked extensively as a practitioner in conciliation processes in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast and Central Asia.

Lederach is the author or editor of 30 books and manuals (translated into a dozen languages), and numerous academic articles and monographs on peace education, conflict transformation, international peacebuilding, and conciliation training. He has developed training materials and manuals available in Spanish on peace education, conflict transformation, and mediation, now used widely throughout Latin America.

Lederach received his bachelor’s degree in history and peace studies from Bethel College and his doctorate of philosophy degree in sociology, with a concentration on social conflict, from the University of Colorado. He currently serves as Senior Fellow for Humanity United and Professor Emeritus of International Peacebuilding at the Joan B. Kroc Institute of International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame.

Reviews

[Yasmine Flodin-Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

The language in this book is too abstract for my taste in certain parts, I think it would have benefited from more real-world examples. Having said that the book has a lot of helpful takeaways including:
- change is not evenly paced, nor is it one-directional
- conflict resolution means moving towards, not away from, appeals to identity
- conflict must be seen as a natural phenomenon that creates potential for constructive growth, and it should involve a willingness to respond in ways that maximize the potential for positive change

[Clara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very short book, for being course literature. This also reduced the price significantly which made my student heart happy. Overall the book helped me with my essay and studies with conflict transformation. The book only gave you what you wanted, to extra pages or even chapters that didn't bring anything new to your knowledge. No, the book was well composed and had a good mixture between lame researcher-humour, diagrams and summarising sentences.

[Sam Middleton · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has been sat on my shelf since i took a community organising module as part of my degree. It was the best thing I did during my studies and the person who ran the volunteering project I was involved in, and the Quaker group who employed him, both ascribed to the idea of conflict transformation. At its core, conflict transformation views conflict as a catalyst for potentially positive change and it's something I've also held a strong belief in since being part of the project.

So, whilst the idea of conflict transformation is brilliant, it's disappointing that this book is anything but. Primarily, the writing is awful. It is vague, overly-jargonistic, repetitious (impressive for a 60-page read) and contains utterly bizarre metaphors that serve to obscure rather than to illuminate.

For me, conflict transformation was such an easy approach to understand when put into practice and I think where the book also falls flat is in its lack of case studies. Whilst the ideas presented are ultimately consolidated in the most successful of the book's sections - 'Applying the Framework' - which employs a case study successfully, the example still feels short of detail. Embedding the approach in real-world examples throughout would have made for a much better argument in its favour than any of the undecipherable metaphors that are utilised instead.

[Thinn · Rating 2 out of 5]

As this is a very short book, it contain a lot of terminology and I got lost. He used a lot of metaphors and I was like what??? I can started to relate things after page 44 (Note: I read the PDF version). I wish he can explain things more simple way. The language he use is not very difficult and I can read it smoothly. However, nothing left in my brain though I would flip the pages. Maybe this is a new topic for me?

[Karan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enlightening, good exposition of theory and basics on how to apply. Reading this for a course in Restorative Justice.

[CTEP]

While brief (less than 100 pages), “The Little Book of Conflict Transformation” by John Paul Lederach is filled with interesting ideas about transforming conflict that can be utilized by any person in any job around the world. (Note: after re-reading this Book Club reflection, I want to say that it would probably be more convenient and interesting for you to read the actual book since the book is actually quite little).

Lederach is one of the leading scholars and practitioners in the peace and conflict field and created the Lederach triangle, which describes one of his theories on building peace. I have always been interested in his publications and studies and this book provides a concise introduction to Lederach’s work.

Conflict transformation is particularly fascinating and relevant because it is applicable on all scales and in all fields since we all have to interact with others in some capacity.

In the book, Lederach challenges the reader to view conflicts as a phenomenal opportunity to transform the current situation into positive and long-term change. Lederach poses an alternative to the more traditional field of “conflict resolution” which often views conflict as something that must be eliminated, therefore addressing the conflict as quickly and methodical as possible.

Lederach writes that a conflict must be examined through an episodic lens, with careful examination of the epicenter. He gives the example of a conflict where an argument over washing the dishes would be defined as the episode. Conflict resolution practitioners might propose the resolution of setting a clear schedule for responsibilities of dish washing in the future. However, the epicenter of the conflict is defined as the problems in the relationship that fueled this particular argument; the resolution technique would not be sustainable. Conflict transformation works towards addressing the issues in the relationship, which would address the episode, but also go beyond the one argument and work consistently to focus on the epicenter. This sounds like common sense, and I promise that Lederach explains it much more eloquently and with a more novel approach.

While each chapter honestly has ideas and techniques that I find extremely useful, here are some of the ideas that I think are most relevant to CTEP members.

-Talking dialogue is not the only way to transform conflict. Sports, music, dance, and play dialogue also substantially increase the productivity in enhancing positive relationships.

-There is never a complete conflict resolution. This does not indicate the need for pessimism, but the history between groups will never disappear. However, with the transformation of relationships gained from looking at conflicts in various and creative manners, the negative consequences can be turned into opportunities for beneficial social changes.

-Complexity is often seen as a hindrance. When a conflict is complex, individuals might feel the need to give up, or walk away because the conflict is a lost cause. However, complexity allows for flexibility, and a wide range of possible mechanisms. It might take more than one strategy, but if the practitioner (anyone who wants to transform a conflict) is flexible, complexity turns into an advantage.

-The most tangible piece I read about in the book was the section on identity. Identity is always present and when challenged, individuals feel the need to defend the identity which perpetuates conflict. Lederach states that it is important to notice when identity is particularly present in a conflict. He gives phrases such as “The very survival of the Hmong community is under threat by the actions of this Police Chief.” When this type of grouping or identity reference occurs, the practitioner should not challenge or provide a structured argument, but instead should try to understand the root of the identity and then provide dialogue, spaces for honesty, and exchanges so individuals can transform conflicts.

While some parts of the book seemed frustratingly optimistic and overly theoretical, it was fun to think about some interpersonal conflicts, as well as conflicts that are appearing on the news daily and think about how some of Lederach’s theories could be applied. While the book was short, I found it beneficial to use real life case studies and interact with each chapter and the strategies Lederach proposes.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an assigned textbook for my graduate program. A wonderful (and short!) book describing the benefit of approaching conflict from a transformative approach to build and repair relationships rather than just resolving conflict, which often leads to just “surface” repairs to an issue. If you’re interested in conflict resolution, negotiation, mediation, etc., this is a great accompaniment to your leadership library.

[Greg · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was pretty disappointed with this, especially after really valuing a number of others in the series. I thought the first chapter was spectacular and then it lost me from there. I think it was somehow both too technical and too simplistic at the same time. After the introductory chapter, the only section that really had value was chapter 8. Still, the concept is important and worth spending some time with.

[Denise Sudbeck · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is sort of half a book, well written with some interesting and usable actions but leaves at least one big gaping hole. There is nothing in this work that addresses systemic and individual dysfunction which feeds so much conflict. The underlying assumption is that all parties are basically of good will. Truth is, sometimes they are not.

[Pablo · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting take on conflict management. It takes on going beyond the immediate crisis management or resolution, to dealing with the underlying culture and dynamics, plus all other existing conflicts, and how these can be transformed into a better system moving forward through an iterative process.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

A complicated introduction to an even more complex concept of conflict transformation. As the author suggests, practices of conflict resolution/transformation isn't a natural skill to many of us. So if after reading this complicated Little Book you still are inspired to be part of the practice, then you must be a natural.. best of luck..

[Heartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little book is a fairly easy read and provides a brief intro to Lederach’s idea of conflict transformation. It offers a great perspective to the idea of conflict and the underlying issues that often need to be addressed as well.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful principles

It's rather dense and abstract, but I know the principles are sound. I can picture applying them to conflicts on micro and macro levels. Except when people with serious personality disorders are involved.

[Aaron White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Going through a fairly destructive conflict situation at the moment, this book offers a different approach to conflict that emphasises transformation over resolution. It is helpful, though pretty academic and dense in tone.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the suggestions in this book to be straight forward and actionable. Well presented, this book gives the reader tools for all aspects of life.

[Benjamín Cofré · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ideal para entender las causas raíces los factores gatillantes de la conflictividad que genera crecimiento en las comunidades

[Chesna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read for a work training and this book could have been an email.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Little Book of Conflict Transformation changed the way that I view conflict. If our goal is change and transformation, then conflict is a gift, as it presents an opportunity for learning and transformation. Transformation "seeks to understand, not negate or avoid, the reality that social conflict often develops violent and destructive patterns" (p. 19). This challenges me to see conflict differently, to look deeper beyond superficial incidents to the realities that shaped this conflict. The more we understand, the more we can deal with the true, root issues.

Favorite quote:
"A transformational approach recognizes that conflict is a normal and continuous dynamic within human relationships. Moreover, conflict brings with it the potential for constructive change. Positive change does not always happen, of course. As we all know too well, many times conflict results in long-standing cycles of hurt and destruction. But the key to transformation is a proactive bias toward seeing conflict as a potential catalyst for growth" (p. 15).

[Lottie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yeesh.

I think there are valuable parts to this book but it feels simultaneously too simplistic and too abstract. Some parts are written simply enough that a middle schooler could understand where the author is coming from (which I commend) but some literally need diagrams which are sometimes contradictory to each other (how can the future of a conflict be both a horizon and a sphere? doesn't being on the horizon mean that parts of it are not yet visible? where is this in the diagram showing how evolving processes work?). Along with this, although I am not opposed to conflict transformation in an interpersonal and community setting, there was this idea nibbling at the back of my mind that this is a concept that really does require all parties in a conflict to sincerely listen to each other which any marginalized group in this day and age can tell you is a rare thing to come across.

This is addressed in one chapter where it emphasizes that sincere reflection must be done in order to be honest about one's expectations and desires in a dynamic, and this must be accomplished through a feeling of safety... but have you looked around? Some small, small community spaces can cultivate safety but safety is hardly in abundance on a larger scale than maybe a community writing space. Plus, there are some power dynamics that will just feel inherently unsafe to engage in, such as those between a persecuted person and the people in government endorsing their community's mortal destruction.

Still I pressed on with hope that the book would pay off... until the singular chapter illustrating how conflict transformation would work: between a community and how it could engage with its police department.

This scenario alone makes such a wide, diverse, and privileged set of assumptions about what transformation can take place for which segments of people that it feels insulting just thinking about it. One part of the episodes of conflict listed in the example was legitimizing the police department's initiative to increase the amount of speeding tickets doled out, as if the mere existence of a drive to issue more speeding tickets means that there automatically must be unsafe driving in the community. Another part was the townspeople complaining about "illegal fires made by out of town people that weren't being responded to." What about those out of town people? Are they not a community that has some stake in this conversation or are they just a problem that must be "transformed" away through incremental changes proposed by the people that a police department would consider human enough to deserve consideration?

Man, I don't want to come in high and mighty on this but that being the only concrete example really soured me on the book itself. I'm hoping there are more examples of conflict transformation that actually acknowledge real issues that would complicate the very existence of the concept because it's not a bad idea, just... too little in this case.

[Douglas Lord · Rating 3 out of 5]

Conflict transformation, best characterized as an orientation or framework, is as far from a practical tool as possible, says Lederach (international peace building, Joan B. Kroch Institute). Instead, it offers "perspective on conflict and change." Though Lederach considers conflict on personal, relational, structural, and cultural levels, his extremely wide focus is on societal conflicts; these are optimistically seen as opportunities to create "constructive change ... reduce violence, increase justice ... and respond to real-life problems in human relationships." This book has zero practicality on the individual level, but it would be useful for those studying/helping global-sized problems "in contexts where there are repeated and deep-rooted cycles of conflict episodes that have created destructive and violent patterns," as in the Middle East or Northern Ireland. Similarly, community activists, politicians, diplomats, or think tankers might use the book to construct or conceptualize a framework to gain intellectual control over large issues. Appropriate for those looking at business relations, international affairs, and peace studies.

Find reviews of books for men at Books for Dudes, Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.

[Scott Hughes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely a challenging perspective to conflict resolution or management perspectives. Conflict transformation perceives conflict as ongoing and should be leveraged for change that list lasting. As opposed to content centered conflict transformation is relationship centered. Perhaps the best way to put the distinction as the author makes it, is to see the guiding questions for each.
Conflict Resolution Perspective: How do we end something not desired?
Conflict Transformation Perspective: How do we end something destructive and build something desired?
This "little book" is thought provoking, but seems to try to cram some deep thoughts into too few of words otherwise I would have given it a higher rating. Like many of the other books in this series, it is very helpful and thought provoking.

[Finrod · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually a bit disappointed by this “little” book. I’m pretty sure this is due more to me and not the author’s “fault”, because this book is quite outside my field of expertise… I decided to read it because it was mentioned and praised in a University program on “environmental challenges” (and conflicts) I’m attending. However I’ve found it too theoretical as only the 9th (the last) chapter shows an example on how to apply the theory. Not remotely enough for me and I’m not sure how much I really managed to learn and absorb, however said this if you’re already trained in the issues of conflict management/resolution/transformation you’ll probably love this book, as it’s beautifully written and very clear… again, provided you already have some knowledge of the field.
Also, the (few) diagrams and figures are not optimized for an eBook reader.

[Teri Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chapters nine and ten are the most useful, I think. The first eight have too much abstract language. Cutting through it to the concepts was harder than it should have been, and the length was excessive for the concept. More examples or cases would have helped tremendously--let a story tell rather than trying to explain!
The purpose of the book is good. I was just frustrated because I wish it was more accessible, as the topic is so important. I would not be able to hand this book to someone with no prior conflict transformation training and expect them to get anywhere.

[Anoud Alammar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A one-day read that was required for a peace and justice class but has proved rather interesting. It addresses conflict transformation, how it is approached and how it differs from conflict resolution.
Moving from using violence to prevent mass atrocities (or regular daily conflicts) toward using more creative, responsive, constructive and finally, non-violent methods to accomplish goals seems to be the main point of discussion.

[Paulo Peres]

"O impulso de resolver nos leva a oferecer no curto prazo um alívio para a dor e a ansiedade através da negociação de respostas aos problemas urgentes. Essas respostas podem ou não abordar o contexto e os padrões mais profundos dos relacionamentos que geraram."

[Marion · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short book with a good overview of the principles of conflict resolution as applied to international situations with long histories of cultural disputes and in-fighting. I enjoyed the "big picture", long view, systems perspective offered in the book.

[Gabriel Pelletier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I add this as high-impact action scenes play in the ad above from Bourne Ultimatum.... Not the way to resolve conflict! Bourne will surely find that (3 movies later) violence will consume his life, and that he actually instigates the conflict he is a part of. La da da Da da.

[Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive, yet mildly redundant, overview of the field of CT. Insightful examination of the differences between transformation and resolution.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very provocative! I loved the ideas but needed more concrete examples of this process at work. I'll use this as a reference book to plug in my own conflicts.

[Sincerely Mai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to understand about the concepts and ideas especially for the beginners.