Description
Book SynopsisConflict and dispute pervade political and policy discussions. Moreover, unequal power relations tend to heighten levels of conflict. In this context of contention, figuring out ways to accommodate others and reach solutions that are agreeable to all is a perennial challenge for activists, politicians, planners, and policymakers. John Forester is one of America''s eminent scholars of progressive planning and dispute resolution in the policy arena, and in Dealing with Differences he focuses on a series of ''hard cases''--conflicts that appeared to be insoluble yet which were resolved in the end. Forester ranges across the country--from Hawaii to Maryland to Washington State--and across issues--the environment, ethnic conflict, and HIV. Throughout, he focuses on how innovative mediators settled seemingly intractable disputes. Between pessimism masquerading as ''realism'' and the unrealistic idealism that ''we can all get along,'' Forester identifies the middle terrain where disputes do a
Trade ReviewIntended as a 'guide' to tackling complex social issues, Forester's book will serve as a very useful starting point for mediators and organizers alike. Many readers will benefit from reading it carefully to savor the message and reflect on the lessons, then looking for advice and inspiration, returning to it again and again. * Journal of Planning Educaiton and Research *
Table of ContentsPART ONE: WHEN PARTIES CONFLICT, EXPECT THAT MORE'S POSSIBLE THAN ANYONE SAYS ; PART TWO: RESPECTING VALUE DIFFERENCES AND ACTING PRACTICALLY TOGETHER TOO ; PART THREE: FROM VENTING AND POSTURING TO LEARNING AND PROPOSING ; PART FOUR: FROM ARGUING TO INVENTING, FROM PRESUMING TO ENABLING ACTION
