In the Encyclopedia of Conflict Resolution, field specialists Heidi Burgess and Guy M. Burgess define conflict resolution broadly, covering both long-running, deep-rooted conflicts such as the abortion rights issue and short-term, negotiable disputes such as those between seller and consumer. But conflict arises in many contexts - personal, organizational, business, community, and international - all of which are covered here in depth.

Intended for a wide variety of uses and users, this unique resource describes the advantages and disadvantages of alternative approaches and explains common words and concepts, such as caucuses or zero-sum, that dispute-resolution consumers might hear. Readers who want to use this volume as a primer on the field can consult the longer entries, for example, those on mediation, arbitration, and negotiation.

The broad bibliography and the valuable lists of key organizations, conferences, documents, and teaching programs in the appendixes will also answer many questions.