Abstract

Two distinct approaches to formally studying conflict are described and compared by applying them to three different phases of an international controversy that arose when a private company was not allowed to export water from Canada. In each phase, the graph model for conflict resolution is employed for obtaining equilibria and strategic insights while confrontation analysis, a procedure for applying drama theory, is used to expose dilemmas faced by the decision makers. The results of the conflict analyses obtained for the three phases indicate that the two techniques complement one another and thereby provide a broader understanding about what occurred and how the dispute evolved over time. A potential resolution to the conflict occurs at a strategically stable outcome when decision makers do not face any dilemmas and their emotions are dissipated.

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CHAPTER 1: WHAT IS DRAMA THEORY? 2
1.1 The case of Oedipus—and the rest of us 2
1.1.1 Does drama apply to life? 2
1.2 Drama theory, game theory and choice within a fixed frame (‘instrumental rationality’) 3
1.2.1 Rational choice theory as the starting point for drama theory. 4
1.3 Drama theory and ethics 7
1.3.1 Differing moralities 8
1.3.2 Humour and irony 8
1.3.3 What kind of ethics? 9
1.4 Other uses of the drama metaphor; free will and consciousness 10
1.4.1 The author and the audience 12
1.5 Drama theory in relation to other subjects 13
1.5.1 Rationalism v. irrationalism 15

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Conciliation Resources (CR) (Ресурсы примирения) - неправительственная международная организация, зарегистрированная в Великобритании как благотворительное учреждение. Свою идеологию организация формулирует следующим образом: «Процесс перехода от войны к миру дает возможность заложить основы новых политических, конституционных и экономических отношений, которые могут повлиять на первопричины конфликта. (more...)