Integral Conflict: The New Science of Conflict (SUNY series in Integral Theory) - Softcover

McGuigan, Richard J.; Popp, Nancy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 143846066X ISBN 13: 9781438460666

Publisher: State University of New York Press, 2017

Synopsis

Explores conflict through the lens of Integral Theory and provides a case study where Integral conflict resolution techniques are highlighted.

This book explores conflict through the discerning lens of Integral Theory, applying Ken Wilber’s AQAL model to a real-life case study, the River Conflict. Coauthor Richard J. McGuigan was a mediator in this ongoing dispute over fishing rights on the Fraser River in British Columbia, a situation where commercial, recreational, and First Nations fishing interests clashed. Voices of the various stakeholders are featured prominently, giving a vivid sense of a seemingly intractable situation. McGuigan and Nancy Popp set the stage for their Integral analysis of the River Conflict, then move expertly through four chapters aimed at understanding the conflict from the four dimensions of human experience: individual, collective, interior, and exterior. The result is a powerful picture of just how “integral” conflict is. This quadrant-by-quadrant analysis is well-punctuated by sidebar observations, insights, and tips for conflict practitioners or students, giving readers new to Integral Theory additional support in understanding and applying the AQAL model to their work.

“The most important book for the conflict field since Getting to Yes. Conflict practitioners, theorists, and those who just have an interest in the subject will all feel rewarded for spending time with this valuable book.” — Robert Kegan, Meehan Research Professor of Adult Learning, Harvard University

“An amazing book. In it, McGuigan and Popp set themselves an enormous task—to provide a practical framework for integrating all elements of conflict theory with the broader set of theories that are the basis for how we see the world. This is an unusual and needed addition to conflict literature.” — Bernie Mayer, Professor, the Werner Institute, Creighton University

“This book manages to provide one of the best overviews I’ve seen of the evolution of the Conflict Field, making the case for why a ‘new science’ is needed at this time. At the same time, the book emphasizes the importance of the ‘Integral Intervenor’ – one who has prepared in both exterior and interior ways to properly handle conflict, especially in complex situations. McGuigan and Popp have managed to weave together the insights of many key thinkers from a variety of fields, presenting a groundbreaking and inspiring framework which has the potential to vastly improve the success of any conflict intervention.” — Mary Elle Keblusek, Canadian Operations and Programme Coordinator, Initiatives of Change Canada

“As the field of conflict engagement grows, so do areas of specialization. This is a sign of maturity and development. And yet, it also represents fragmentation between theorists and practitioners, between problem solving and transformative mediators and more, and fosters islands of separation. McGuigan and Popp are bucking this trend with an integrative book that grounds itself in Integral thinking, known also as the ‘theory of everything.’ Bravo to them, models in their own right as theorist-practitioners—they indeed are helping to pave the path for a more integrative field.” — Jay Rothman, Associate Professor of Conflict Resolution, Bar Ilan University, Israel

About this title

About the Author:

Richard J. McGuigan is Associate Faculty at the University of Victoria, in British Columbia, and is a scholar-practitioner in the conflict resolution and leadership development fields.

Nancy Popp is an independent scholar-practitioner in the adult development and leadership development fields.

About this edition

• Publisher: State University of New York Press
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 143846066X
• ISBN 13: 9781438460666
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 334