| This dissertation analyzes the historical, political and cultural dimensions of the Israeli-Palestinian rivalry and makes recommendations to improve political and intercultural cooperation between these peoples.; Historically, political strategies have been employed to assist dispute resolution in the Middle East. Cultural barriers, however, have often proven difficult for these approaches to analyze and resolve. Though many aspects of the international relations theories of conflict resolution, pluralism, transnationalism and complex interdependence may be helpful, this dissertation asserts that the cultural identifier assumptions of international management can be an additional resource to further conflict resolution between cultural combatants.; There are several reasons for this. First, they offer a supplement to the political analysis process. Second, businesses have been interacting successfully for years with respect to joint ventures, competitive factors, managing culturally diverse work forces, and responding “appropriately” to behavior that might be deemed “irrational” in one cultural setting and “normal” in another. Finally, businesses have forged strategic alliances with culturally diverse partners.; This dissertation's approach to improving conflict resolution between Israelis and Palestinians includes: developing an understanding of the language of conflict, and ascertaining why there is a lack of intercultural cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians. Some people view this dispute as “justified,” and others as the relationship between the “conqueror and conquered,” yet both groups have a “peace constituency” who believe that the conflict must be resolved because the costs are too great. This constituency must be engaged to complete this process by better managing expectations and creating an “atmosphere of peaceful reconciliation.”; There are costs associated with conflict resolution in this cultural dispute. This study identifies these costs for both Israelis and Palestinians, and examines new ways to bridge the gap. A new “regime” model is presented with respect to the combatants, and its implications are evaluated through the use of an Ethnic Conflict Resolution Facilitator's Checklist . |
