Engaging the other

Abstract

Conflict is endemic in human interaction, but it is not inevitable. Some clashes tend to result from the placing of relationships within a zero-sum framework in which the Self sees itself as losing when the Other makes a gain, and vice versa. When opposing parties view each other as a danger they feed on mutually induced fears and produce a rising spiral of conflict. Such adversarial conceptualizations tend to disregard the possibilities for fruitful engagements with the Other.