Consciousness in culture-based conflict and conflict resolution

This article makes the case for bringing theory of consciousness to the understanding of individual transformation in conflict resolution practice. It does so by highlighting consciousness engaged explicitly and implicitly in many conflict resolution practices and consciousness dynamics considered in the emerging literature by conflict resolution practitioners. In particular, increasing awareness, consciousness structures, shifts in consciousness, transitional space, and embodied engagement are useful frameworks for understanding individual transformation within conflict resolution processes. The article concludes that the study of conflict resolution is incomplete without consideration of consciousness in conflict and conflict resolution. Furthermore, formally engaging consciousness dynamics as part of the study of conflict resolution holds promise for improving conflict resolution practice.