Year
2008
Authors
COLSON Aurélien, TENENBAUM C.
Abstract
Opposite to Anglo-Saxon (and Scandinavian) traditions, France’s academia has mostly ignored the growing trend of Conflict Resolution studies. Whereas Montville and MacDonald designed the Multiple Tracks theories and put those into practice more than 20 years ago, such theories are only slowly penetrating French International Affairs studies and practice. From such an intriguing divide arises a range of questions that need to find answers. Key factors – historical, political, cultural – are investigated to explain how Conflict Resolution studies are perceived and taught there. It is then analyzed how France’s political and academic landscape could progressively be more receptive to the use of conflict resolution methods and actors. The example of the Institute for Research and Education on Negotiation in Europe is analyzed. There are indeed multiple opportunities to build bridges between such different academic and diplomatic traditions, providing perspectives for a renewed transatlantic cooperation and mutual enrichment.
COLSON, A. et TENENBAUM, C. (2008). Conflict Resolution Studies and the French/anglo-saxon Divide: Another Transatlantic Misunderstanding? Dans: 49th Annual Convention, International Studies Association.