Central to a transformational approach to conflict is the idea that conflicts must be viewed as embedded within broader relational patterns, and social and discursive structures-and must be addressed as such. This implies the need for systemic change at generative levels, in order to create genuine transformation at the level of particular conflicts. Central, also, to this book is the idea that the origins of transformation can be momentary, or situational, small-scale or micro-level, as well as bigger and more systemic or macro-level. Micro-level changes involve shifts and meaningful changes in communication and related patterns that are created in communication between people. Such transformative changes can radiate out into more systemic levels, and systemic transformative changes can radiate inwards to more micro- levels. This book engages this transformative framework. Within this framework, this book pulls together current work that epitomizes, and highlights, the contribution of communication scholarship, and communication centered approaches to conflict transformation, in local/community, regional, environmental and global conflicts in various parts of the world. The resulting volume presents an engaging mix of scholarly chapters, think pieces, and experiences from the field of practice. The book embraces a wide variety of theoretical and methodological approaches, as well as transformative techniques and processes, including: narrative, dialogic, critical, cultural, linguistic, conversation analytic, discourse analytic, and rhetorical. This book makes a valuable contribution to the ongoing dialogue across and between disciplines and people on how to transform conflicts creatively, sustainably, and ethically.

Designed to both entertain and inform readers, The Eternity Dialogues: Understanding Global Transformation offers students key concepts in individual and global transformation through an engaging, futuristic novel and an accompanying learning-based website. The book envisions a future where humanity is endangered by the Convergence of global survival threats that already are growing today, including ecological collapse, widespread despondency, and preparations for war. Through the eyes of a young social worker, a group of wise old women, CEOs, clerics, revolutionaries, politicians, and scientists, students see how the world moved towards the 2050 Convergence, and the struggles for power, opportunities for transformation, and global dialogues that followed. The story challenges students to develop consciousness regarding the interrelationship between individual psychology, eco-socio-political issues, and global wellbeing, and offers practical tools for transformation. The companion learning site features chapter summaries, learning objectives, discussion questions, learning scenarios, and more to reinforce key learnings. Unique and engaging, The Eternity Dialogues is an ideal learning program for courses in many fields, including peace and conflict studies, global issues, social work, political science, psychology, and religious studies.