Integral Conflict

Explores conflict through the lens of Integral Theory and provides a case study where Integral conflict resolution techniques are highlighted.

Explores conflict through the lens of Integral Theory and provides a case study where Integral conflict resolution techniques are highlighted.

This book explores conflict through the discerning lens of Integral Theory, applying Ken Wilber's AQAL model to a real-life case study, the River Conflict. Coauthor Richard J. McGuigan was a mediator in this ongoing dispute over fishing rights on the Fraser River in British Columbia, a situation where commercial, recreational, and First Nations fishing interests clashed. Voices of the various stakeholders are featured prominently, giving a vivid sense of a seemingly intractable situation. McGuigan and Nancy Popp set the stage for their Integral analysis of the River Conflict, then move expertly through four chapters aimed at understanding the conflict from the four dimensions of human experience: individual, collective, interior, and exterior. The result is a powerful picture of just how "integral" conflict is. This quadrant-by-quadrant analysis is well-punctuated by sidebar observations, insights, and tips for conflict practitioners or students, giving readers new to Integral Theory additional support in understanding and applying the AQAL model to their work.

Richard J. McGuigan is Associate Faculty at the University of Victoria, in British Columbia, and is a scholar-practitioner in the conflict resolution and leadership development fields. Nancy Popp is an independent scholar-practitioner in the adult development and leadership development fields.