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Intractable Conflicts Defined
What are Intractable Conflicts?
Intractability refers to conflicts that seem to be stuck in an increasingly destructive spiral. Examples range from the Iraq War to a difficult divorce. These conflicts consume time, money and energy and at their worst, result in millions of deaths.
Nature of Intractability
It can be difficult to decide whether a conflict is, in fact, intractable. This essay explains why the term, "intractable," is so controversial.
Characteristics of Intractable Conflicts
Intractable conflicts are ones that go on and on, are frequently very destructive, and seem to resist any attempts at resolution. Though international conflicts, such as Israel-Palestine quickly come to mind, domestic issues such as the abortion controversy, and even some marital relations are quite intractable as well.
Conflicts and Disputes
Conflict scholars make a critical distinction between short-term disputes and deep-rooted, long-term conflicts. Learn why conflicts are so much harder to resolve than disputes.
 
I plan to stand by nonviolence, because I have found it to be a philosophy of life that regulates not only my dealings in the struggle for racial justice, but also my dealings with people, and with my own self. -- Martin Luther King Jr.
Featured Links
Organizations Making Noteworthy Contributions to Efforts to Promote More Constructive Conflict
APSA: Conflict Processes Section
American Political Science Association: Conflict Processes Section
Other Resources from
Beyond Intractability
Reframing Terror From a CR Perspective
Reframing Terror From a CR Perspective
Louis Kriesberg offers President Bush constructive advice on how to overcome severe obstacles that are blocking the Israel/Palestine peace process by using them as opportunities to build trust and peace.
Nobel Peace Prize Winners

Menachem Begin
Menachem Begin
Former Prime Minister of Israel, and 1978 Nobel Peace Laureate
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