Encounter Theory

Abstract

This paper proposes Encounter Theory as a first principle of Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS). It seeks to challenge the notion that PACS is only cohered by a normative pursuit and will demonstrate that although a plethora of social scientific theories in PACS endure within the fields’ diversity and multi-disciplinary make-up, there exists a conceptual premise that undergirds and drives much of the field. To establish how Encounter Theory functions, this article examines how the field of peace education as a process of conflict transformation functions via encounter using the work of Paolo Freire. The paper goes on to briefly examine four facets of Encounter Theory including connection, non-violent engagement, inter-relationship and humanisation to then illumine how those facets exist in eight forms of conflict transformation: conflict analysis, conflict resolution, mediation, negotiation, structured dialogue, intercommunal engagement, restorative justice and peace education.