Environmental conflict resolution (ECR) is a process of negotiation that allows stakeholders in a dispute to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement on their own terms. The tools of ECR, such as facilitation, mediation, and conflict assessment, suggest that it fits well with other ideas for reforming environmental policy. First used in 1974, ECR has been an official part of policymaking since the mid 1990s. The Promise and Performance of Environmental Conflict Resolution is the first book to systematically evaluate the results of these efforts.

The Promise and Performance of Environmental Conflict Resolution presents empirical research along with insights from some of ECR's most experienced practitioners. Beginning with a primer about concepts and methods, the book describes the kinds of disputes where ECR has been applied, making it clear that 'despite the faith of proponents in the power and usefulness of ECR, it is not applicable to all environmental conflicts.' The contributions that follow critically investigate the record and potential of ECR, drawing on perspectives from political science, public administration, regional planning, philosophy, psychology, anthropology, and law. ECR is being extended to almost every area of environmental policy. Rosemary O'Leary and Lisa Bingham argue that truly effective use of ECR requires something more than advocacy. The Promise and Performance of Environmental Conflict Resolution provides scholars, policymakers, students, and practitioners with critical assessments, so that ECR can be used to its best advantage.

About the Author

Rosemary O Leary is professor of Public Administration and director of the Ph.D. program at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. O Leary co-founded and co-directed of the Indiana Conflict Resolution Institute.

Lisa B. Bingham is Keller-Runden Professor of Public Service and director of the Indiana Conflict Resolution Institute at the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Professor Bingham co-founded the Indiana Conflict Resolution Institute.

Reviews

'The editors have a distinguished record of following environmental conflicts, and provide a retrospective on the relative success of unconventional participatory techniques... The editors have provided a much needed reminder that we cannot simply accept consensual approaches as a panacea to resolving conflicts, especially when larger societal goals such as environmental conservation are at stake.'
Environmental Conservation

Book Information
ISBN 9781891853647
Author Rosemary O'Leary
Format Paperback
Page Count 400
Imprint Resources for the Future Press (RFF Press)
Publisher Taylor & Francis Inc
Weight(grams) 589g