While waves of scholarship have focused either on the value of presumed universal models or of traditional practices of conflict resolution, curiously missing has been the recognition and analysis of the actual intermingling and interacting of western and local cultural practices that have produced new and emergent practices in our global community. In this compilation of case studies, the authors describe partnerships forged between local practice expertise and bearers of ¿western/institutional¿ models to build innovative approaches to mediation and conflict resolution. Including stories of these experiences and the resulting hybrid models that emerged, the book explores central questions of cultural variation and integration, such as the perception of purpose and function of resolution processes, attitudes toward conflict, arenas and timeframes, third party roles, barriers to process use, as well as how to remain true to culture and context. It also examines partnership dynamics and lessons learned for modern cross-cultural collaboration.

Tamra Pearson d'Estrée co-directs the interdisciplinary Conflict Resolution Institute at the University of Denver, USA, and is the Henry R. Luce Professor of Conflict Resolution in the Josef Korbel School of International Studies. Her research areas include identity dimensions of social and ethnic conflict, intergroup conciliation and reconciliation, procedural justice, and evaluation frameworks for conflict resolution.  She is also involved in conflict resolution training and capacity-building, and facilitates intergroup interactive problem-solving workshops. 

Ruth J. Parsons is Research Professor at the Conflict Resolution Institute, Joseph Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver, USA. She has taught, consulted on curriculum development, trained and conducted research in conflict resolution for 30 years.  Her specific area of research and writing include culturally based perspectives, strategiesand methods for conflict resolution and peacebuilding, as well as social work practice and empowerment.

Introduction.- Chapter 1:  The State of the Art and the Need for Context-Grounded Practice in Conflict Resolution. Tamra Pearson d'Estrée and Ruth Parsons, University of Denver.- Chapter 2: Fundación Propaz: The Evolution of a Mediation and Peace Building Strategy in Guatemala. Ruth Parsons and Tamra Pearson d'Estrée, University of Denver, Andrés Álvarez Castañeda, Universidad de Valle de Guatemala, and Carlos Sarti, Fundación Propaz. Chapter 3: Staying True in Nepal: Understanding Community Mediation through Action Research. John Paul Lederach, University of Notre Dame, and Preeti Thapa, Asia Foundation.- Chapter 4: Trinidad & Tobago:  Land of Paradox. Ruth Parsons, University of Denver, and Catherine Ali, Trainer/Practitioner, Trinidad & Tobago.- Chapter 5. Georgian Republic:  Finding Cultural Voices for a Modern Era. Guguli Magradze and Medea Despotashvili, Tbilisi State University, and Tamra Pearson d'Estrée, University of Denver.-  6. Peacemaking in Palestine: Encounters in Principles and Practice. Erin Dyer Saxon, Endicott College.- Chapter 7. Developing a Saudi Model of Mediation Training and Practice. Sharia Walker, Walker Consultancy.- Chapter 8: Conflict and Cultural Norms: Engaging local communities in India during conflicts. Pushpa Iyer, Monterey Institute.- Chapter 9: Interwoven conventions, innovations, and generations: emergent models of youth engagement through conflict resolution skills trainings in North Africa. Selma Talha Jebril , Search for Common Ground, and Julie Hawke, University of Denver.- Chapter 10: Balancing Harmony & Truth, Connection & Accomplishment: Conflict Resolution in the Pacific. Marina Piscolish and Lehua Lopez-Mau, MAPping Change, LLC.- Chapter 11: Inside Community Dialogue: Social innovation in the transformation of natural resource conflict. Ameet Dakhal, Chup Bahadur Thapa, and John Paul Lederach, University of Notre Dame.- Chapter 12. Improving Access to Justice through Integration of Western and Local Dispute Resolution Processes: Case Studies from Liberia, East Timor and Sri Lanka. Christopher Moore, CDR Associates.- Chapter 13: Patterns of Encounter and Integration: Navigating Cultures and Societies in Conflict Resolution Capacity-Building. Tamra Pearson d'Estrée and Ruth Parsons, University of Denver.- Chapter 14. Conclusions & Reflections. Kevin Avruch, George Mason University.