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Conflict Mapping
Wehr states how the emergence of conflict produces a lot of confusion and
uncertainty leading to the taking of unwIse and costly decisions
(http://w.vw.colorado.edu/conflictlpeace/treatmenticmap.htm p.l) because of lack of
real understanding of what is going on. Small and big conflicts can be analysed thus
coming up with what he calls a conflict map, which can be used in several ways. The
conflict map can be used by each party "to clarify conflict from its own perspective."
Both parties can use it to understand their respective points of view. A mediator can
also help the conflicting parties by drafting the map and asking them to modify it,
redrafting it, and presenting it as a fIrst step towards joint cooperative resolution. Each
ofthe conflict sides could also draw their own map and then ask their opponents to help
put together an accurate conflict map.
Mirror Imaging
This is a technique used to showcase how one party's approach to conflict looks
to the other. It requires that both parties "put aside their prejudices and stereotypes and,
at least temporarily, look at the world from the perspective of others."
(http://www.colorado.edu/conflictlpeace/treatmentimirror.htm p.1) In this way they
engage in dialogue or a similar process, or read written statements about how they view
the dialogue, or discuss how they would feel "if the situation were reversed." This
strategy can help the parties "assess the potential effectiveness of alternative force
exchange, and integrative strategies, as well as the risk ofthe backlash effect". This is a
type of introspection and can be regarded as indispensable in the building of a
constructive future.
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