Institute Vision
Conflict in the twenty-first century poses a major threat to
human security. From family quarrels to school shootings, community
and industrial disputes, and civil and international war, the
expansion of anger, hatred an violence is alarming. It is absolutely
essential to understand the ways conflicts are resolved, to access
their value, and to appraise the institutions through which they
are controlled.
Conflict Resolution as a distinct field of inquiry represents
a collection of new approaches to social management and policy
orientation focused on developing and implementing different perspectives
and procedures to confront issues of human concern with greater
wisdom and effectiveness.
At the University of Denver, we believe it is important to explore
theories, methods, approaches, and practical techniques in conflict
resolution that cross conventional disciplinary boundaries. We
are in a position to become the premier research center in the
Rocky Mountain region, and indeed the hub of Conflict Resolution
focus between the Mississippi and the West Coast. Our goal—to
establish an intellectually rich environment for exploring central
issues to help understand and explain mechanisms of conflict de-escalation,
peaceful solutions, and reconciliation between parties—derives
from a mission to encourage commitment to a harmonious world by
exploring the deeper struggles that traditionally separate people
and developing ideas to build an overall organic relationship.
Conflict Resolution faculty members have identified three themes
that represent common interests and areas for further program
development to guide the Center for Research and Practice:
The Artful Practitioner – drawing mastery in
practice from several sources of wisdom: the latest theory and
approaches, mechanisms for evaluation and reflection, and ethical
standards of behavior.
Ethnic Conflict Assessment – analyzing conflict
characteristics, sources and dynamics, and recommending whether
and how to intervene.
Reconstruction, Reconciliation, and Restoration –
capacity-building and restoring the community fabric in ongoing
intractable conflicts, and post-conflict settings.
We intend to expand our community by admitting more students
into the graduate program, supporting researchers—including
opportunities for visiting professionals and post-doc scholars--
and building a larger base of dedicated supporters. Application
procedures for students and scholars are located under the graduate
degree program and center for
research and practice. Supporters should send an email to
cri@du.edu outlining their interests.
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