In this powerful and optimistic book, E. Franklin Dukes moves beyond the orthodox remedies of right and left to explain how the field of public conflict resolution offers a way to cut through the impasse in public policy-making.

Drawing on conflict resolution experience and recent democratic theory, Dukes traces the philosophical roots and development of the public conflict resolution field. He examines in detail how it has worked in practice, in the US and other western democracies.

Finally he argues that a more systematic application of public conflict resolution by policy-makers would confront three key problems of contemporary democratic society: the disintegration of community, alienation from government, and the inability to solve public disputes. Students of public policy, conflict resolution and political theory will find this book enlightening reading. It is also important reading for those engaged in the practical aspects of policy-making.