¶ … Third Side

Evaluating the Third Side

The third side is a type of conflict resolution that centers on the roles that people can play in order to resolve conflict. The developers of this idea suggest that taking personal actions can solve conflict when these actions all work together. According to the third side philosophy, people can play ten different roles to help resolve all of the conflicts in their lives. These roles are the provider, the teacher, the bridge-builder, the mediator, the arbiter, the equalizer, the healer, the witness, the referee, and the peacekeeper. The intent of the third side is learning to understand both sides of the conflict, encouraging a cooperative negotiation, and finding a solution that meets everyone's needs.

While the third side presents an important an innovative form of conflict resolution, the question to ask is whether of not the third side is a reliable form of conflict resolution for family and political matters. In the family and business worlds, the third side would make an excellent conflict resolution strategy. In an environment such as this when two or three people are involved, it is relatively easy for a third person, or for the people involved, to understand each person's side and negotiate a solution that meets everyone's needs. For the family, this type of negotiation will most likely encourage better relationships, as family members are encouraged to look beyond themselves and their interests. In business relationships, this type of negotiate will help business people understand each other better, encouraging more responsible business relationships. Taking this type of conflict resolution strategy to the national realm, however, will raise problems. Although it is certainly a fresh way of looking at international conflict, more than two sides exist to most international conflict. The third side conflict resolution user will find it difficult to understand the complexities of each side, especially with the cultural boundaries. Although this type of conflict resolution could be used in theory, it may need some amendments before it can be applied to the international realm.