Who we are

PROGRAM MISSION

At The School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (S-CAR), faculty and students are committed to the development of theory, research, and practice that interrupt cycles of violence. S-CAR is an innovative academic resource for people and institutions worldwide. It comprises a community of scholars, graduate and undergraduate students, alumni, practitioners, and organizations in the field of peace making and conflict resolution. S-CAR is a Commonwealth Center for Excellence, recognized for its leadership in the field and its world-renowned faculty.

S-CAR is committed to:

• Advancing the understanding of deeply rooted conflicts between individuals, groups, organizations, and communities in the United States and all over the world through
  research, teaching, practice, and outreach
• Carrying on a systematic and ongoing study of the nature, origins, and types of social conflicts
• Developing the requisite processes and conditions for the productive resolution of conflicts

PHILOSOPHY OF CONFLICT

The School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution views conflict as a normal product of human interaction, neither good nor bad. S-CAR recognizes that the effects of conflict can be positive or negative. Our work attempts to maximize the creative renewing positive qualities of conflict while minimizing the destructive distorting negative ones. We describe conflict as a dynamic system in which events and understandings constantly restructure and re-interpret the past, present and future. Our objective is more resilient social, institutional and global relationships; able to handle routine conflicts more efficiently and able to weather serious conflicts which might destroy more rigid structures.