Research & Publications
The Conflict Resolution and Engagement Initiative has a history of actively collaborating with scholars and practitioners to engage in meaningful research that makes positive contributions to the field of study and practice of conflict engagement and resolution. CERI complements the original CRI Working Paper series below by featuring blogs, research on engagement processes from our partners and staff, and deliberative issue guides written by graduate student researchers under the guidance of Dr. Tamra d’Estree.
What is deliberation?
According to the (NIFI), deliberation is a collaborative process guided by ground rules in which people work through difficult public issues by examining multiple approaches, weighing the pros and cons, and trade-offs of each option, and considering what they value most. Rather than debating to win an argument, participants seek a deeper understanding of different perspectives, identify areas of common ground, and develop reasoned public judgment that can guide collective action. In practice, CERI hosts two-to-three-hour deliberations with 91¶ÌÊÓƵ undergraduate and graduate students to discuss the benefits, costs, and consequences of different policy approaches to some of today’s most pressing issues. Dr. Tamra d’Estree and graduate student researcher develop issue guides modeled after the National Issues Forums Institute (NIFI) materials to facilitate campus deliberations on complex problems.Ìý
What is dialogue?
Dialogue is a facilitated exchange in which participants share experiences, values, and perspectives to build mutual understanding, trust, and empathy. Unlike deliberation, dialogue is not focused on making a decision or choosing among options; instead, its primary goal is to deepen understanding of different viewpoints and strengthen relationships among participants. CERI regularly hosts multi-day dialogue facilitation trainings for 91¶ÌÊÓƵ students in collaboration with .Ìý
Issue Guides
Sustaining a Thriving World
Environmental challenges raise fundamental questions about what it means for the world to truly thrive, from meeting basic needs to ensuring long-term well-being for people and ecosystems. This guide explores competing perspectives on how to balance environmental protection, economic growth, community decision-making, and just transitions.
Immigration Policies: International Approaches
Immigration affects societies across the world, shaping economies, communities, and national identities in different ways. This guide is designed to encourage thoughtful discussion about how countries might approach this complex and often contested issue.
Immigration in the United States
Almost every American is impacted by immigration. This guide outlines five different perspectives on understanding the challenges involved, pushing us to consider what matters most when addressing difficult issues that lack simple solutions.
Featured Working Papers
Politics of the Local
Investigating the "Politics of the Local" In Peace Processes: The Case of Turkey's Peace Process For Solving the Kurdish Issue (2009-2015)
Effective Collaboration
Understanding Effective Collaboration Within a Diverse Community: Lessons Learned from the Concerned Citizens of South Sudan (CCSS) Petition Initiative
