Abstract

Social conflict is constantly changing in scope, dynamics and pattern. Clashes between nation-states become obsolete while internal rifts within sovereign entities escalate rapidly to local and regional strife. The changing nature of disputes around the world stimulates new emphases and foci in conflict research. One of the novel shifts of interests is why conflicts endure and linger, or what prevents antagonists from terminating their contention even if they are both better off without it. The paper introduces the barriers approach to conflict resolution by grappling with the question of what the impediments to conflict termination are. The perspective is investigated in the context of one of the most protracted and deep-rooted conflicts in the world today: the Palestinian-Israeli, which despite occasional breakthroughs remains substantially entangled in the woes of hostility, violence and despair.

Key words: Conflict theory, conflict resolution, barriers approach.