Dispute systems design: A pragmatic approach for the development of procedures and structures to manage ethnic and political conflicts

Abstract

The author defines the concept of an ethnic conflict and details multiple levels within a society at which this type of dispute may occur. A dispute systems approach, as opposed to a case‐by‐case and ad hoc method, for resolving multicultural disputes is described, and the steps for designing a dispute system are outlined. A number of alternative conflict resolution procedures are presented. Dispute resolution systems used in South Africa, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Canada and the United States are detailed as examples of regional, community and institutionally‐based dispute resolution systems that were designed to address ethnic conflicts.