The Third Side: Why We Fight and How We Can Stop
by William Ury (Penguin)
This is a marvellous and inspiring book by the co-author
of “Getting to Yes”. Ury focuses on the transformation
of conflict from coercion to consent and from force to mutual
interest. He conducts a survey of how conflict has been addressed
throughout human history, pointing out that it is only in
relatively recent times that a confrontational or competitive
approach has predominated. Now, he argues, with the knowledge
revolution the time has come to revert to collaboration, consensus
and co-operation.
The author emphasises the role of the “third sider”
to help people handle their differences, focusing on the process
as much as the outcome. He gives mediation its place as a
vital component in the range of “third side” roles
and expands his analysis to show how conflict can be prevented,
resolved or at least contained. His illustrations from the
real world are extensive and moving. His ability to draw examples
from his own experience in a wide range of fields of human
activity is impressive.
Quite simply, if there is one book to engage the hearts and
minds of those who are interested in how we can deal with
conflict positively, this is it.
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