Dimensions of conflict resolution in ethnopolitical disputes

In this introduction to the special issue, the various dimensions of approa ches to conflict resolution in identity disputes are explored. The implemen tation of existing peace accords in countries troubled by domestic fighting turns out to be a knottier policy problem chan expected and subject to lin gering distrust and miscommunication. The role of two sets of factors in br inging about agreement and/or implementation is explored: grass-roots versu s elite initiatives and the identity versus instrumental nature of the nego tiations. Factors such as the degree of preliminary dialogue and pre-bargai ning, the involvement of officials versus civic representatives, concern ab out fear and distrust may be weighed against the more usual calculations of power balances, exhaustion, and stalemate in accounting for peaceful settl ements. The interplay between these categories has a great deal to do with the prospects and outcomes of conflict management approaches and is the sub ject of the articles to follow. The studies were designed to rest, utilizin g a comparative case-study framework, which dimension, if any, turns out to be most influential in a series of local violent ethnopolitical disputes. Findings, while varied, point to the importance of grass-roots participatio n in the negotiation process.