For a recent job application, I had to write a "pseudo blog entry" on the topic of "conflict resolution as applied to Washington politics." It was a creative assignment, one I really had not considered before. Most of the conflict resolution case studies I have studied in college and graduate school have dealt with divided sectarian or ethnic communities, such as Northern Ireland, Rwanda, or Israel/Palestine. But after I thought about it, perhaps DC is a "divided community," as well. Here was my response:Bringing Conflict Resolution Strategies to the Hill
If “war is the continuation of politics by other means” as we are so often told, is the reverse true? Is the art of politics “war by other means?” Given the bitter partisanship and fierce rhetoric from both sides of the aisle in Washington, it unfortunately appears so. The unified and bipartisan atmosphere that existed both in the nation’s capital and throughout the country following the September 11 attacks now seems like a distant memory from another era. In these days leading up to the 2008 election, the United States feels more divided than ever.
Given the current mood of our country, can anything be done about this? The bases of both the Republican and Democratic parties are energized and looking for a fight. Are centrist and bipartisan policies possible, or for that matter, even wanted? The answer to both questions is “yes,” and a potential strategy for building consensus can be found in the field of conflict resolution.
While most conflict resolution specialists apply their skills to divided communities and societies (think Northern Ireland and Israel / Palestine), many of the skills and ideas developed in the world’s hotspots can be utilized in our own “divided community” that is Capitol Hill. Here are a few strategies:
Recognize that politics is not a zero-sum game – Politics should not be about winning and losing. It should be about protecting the American people and providing a sustainable and prosperous future. Conflict resolution specialists would point out that there is room in the system to find common ground, particularly in terms of national security, during these dangerous times. Setting ideology aside for creative, multi-faceted approaches that utilizes the best of American talent should be a top priority for our public officials.
Take a moment to listen - Often times we do so much talking that we take little time to listen to what is being said to us. Mediators utilize storytelling methods for divided communities to be able to express who they are – their identity, history, what is important to them, etc. While certainly we don’t expect Capitol Hill to turn into a coffee house open mic night, public officials would do well to listen to the concerns, fears, and hopes of their counterparts. Each party, much like a cultural community, has its own myths, legends, and stories which shape a worldview. When all sides are aware of these identity structures, there is an opportunity to find common ground.
Allow the system to work from the top-down and the bottom-up – Conflict resolution strategies need to be implemented in all parts of society. Government officials need to set an example of working across party lines, while the public must also recognize common goals that unite them with their neighbors. By having an active civil society that is engaged with the government, the public can hold their leaders more accountable in working towards a common goal.
Make the institutions work – Many of the divided societies that are undergoing conflict resolution and transformation do not have strong institutions and government structures to allow progress to occur. Fortunately, the United States has a long tradition of democratic experience. What is important is that these systems continue to operate properly and transparently, allowing for consensus to be the norm, not the exception.
Be patient – Conflict resolution and building trust does not happen over night. It takes time and patience, and most importantly, concrete demonstrations of trust and goodwill. Words must be backed by actions.
Conflict resolution specialists will be quick to point out that there is no “cookie cutter” solution to solving conflict and building trust across fault lines. What works in Northern Ireland may not work in Sri Lanka or Lebanon (or Washington, DC for that matter). But the basic steps outlined above can be useful building blocks.
To be sure, healthy debate and dialogue should always be encouraged in a democracy. However, if the debate becomes so divisive and poisonous that it alienates the public and slows progress, the system begins to break down. The United States, which since World War II has attempted to set the standard for promoting liberty and freedom throughout the world, must continue to lead by example when it comes to the effectiveness of its institutions by demonstrating the benefits of a democratic system. By viewing politics through the lens of conflict resolution, rather than all-out warfare, our elected leaders have an opportunity to forge a positive future for all Americans, built on trust and common goals that unite, rather than divide, the citizens of this country.
If “war is the continuation of politics by other means” as we are so often told, is the reverse true? Is the art of politics “war by other means?” Given the bitter partisanship and fierce rhetoric from both sides of the aisle in Washington, it unfortunately appears so. The unified and bipartisan atmosphere that existed both in the nation’s capital and throughout the country following the September 11 attacks now seems like a distant memory from another era. In these days leading up to the 2008 election, the United States feels more divided than ever.
Given the current mood of our country, can anything be done about this? The bases of both the Republican and Democratic parties are energized and looking for a fight. Are centrist and bipartisan policies possible, or for that matter, even wanted? The answer to both questions is “yes,” and a potential strategy for building consensus can be found in the field of conflict resolution.
While most conflict resolution specialists apply their skills to divided communities and societies (think Northern Ireland and Israel / Palestine), many of the skills and ideas developed in the world’s hotspots can be utilized in our own “divided community” that is Capitol Hill. Here are a few strategies:
Recognize that politics is not a zero-sum game – Politics should not be about winning and losing. It should be about protecting the American people and providing a sustainable and prosperous future. Conflict resolution specialists would point out that there is room in the system to find common ground, particularly in terms of national security, during these dangerous times. Setting ideology aside for creative, multi-faceted approaches that utilizes the best of American talent should be a top priority for our public officials.
Take a moment to listen - Often times we do so much talking that we take little time to listen to what is being said to us. Mediators utilize storytelling methods for divided communities to be able to express who they are – their identity, history, what is important to them, etc. While certainly we don’t expect Capitol Hill to turn into a coffee house open mic night, public officials would do well to listen to the concerns, fears, and hopes of their counterparts. Each party, much like a cultural community, has its own myths, legends, and stories which shape a worldview. When all sides are aware of these identity structures, there is an opportunity to find common ground.
Allow the system to work from the top-down and the bottom-up – Conflict resolution strategies need to be implemented in all parts of society. Government officials need to set an example of working across party lines, while the public must also recognize common goals that unite them with their neighbors. By having an active civil society that is engaged with the government, the public can hold their leaders more accountable in working towards a common goal.
Make the institutions work – Many of the divided societies that are undergoing conflict resolution and transformation do not have strong institutions and government structures to allow progress to occur. Fortunately, the United States has a long tradition of democratic experience. What is important is that these systems continue to operate properly and transparently, allowing for consensus to be the norm, not the exception.
Be patient – Conflict resolution and building trust does not happen over night. It takes time and patience, and most importantly, concrete demonstrations of trust and goodwill. Words must be backed by actions.
Conflict resolution specialists will be quick to point out that there is no “cookie cutter” solution to solving conflict and building trust across fault lines. What works in Northern Ireland may not work in Sri Lanka or Lebanon (or Washington, DC for that matter). But the basic steps outlined above can be useful building blocks.
To be sure, healthy debate and dialogue should always be encouraged in a democracy. However, if the debate becomes so divisive and poisonous that it alienates the public and slows progress, the system begins to break down. The United States, which since World War II has attempted to set the standard for promoting liberty and freedom throughout the world, must continue to lead by example when it comes to the effectiveness of its institutions by demonstrating the benefits of a democratic system. By viewing politics through the lens of conflict resolution, rather than all-out warfare, our elected leaders have an opportunity to forge a positive future for all Americans, built on trust and common goals that unite, rather than divide, the citizens of this country.
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