BERNARD MAYER, PhD, is an internationally recognized leader in the field of conflict intervention. He is Professor Emeritus of Conflict Studies at Creighton University and was a founding partner of CDR Associates, a pioneering conflict intervention and training firm. His previous books include Beyond Neutrality, Staying with Conflict, The Dynamics of Conflict, and The Conflict Paradox.

JACQUELINE N. FONT- GUZMÁN is a Fulbright scholar with vast experience in conflict, healthcare, academia, and the legal system. Her work has been internationally recognized. She serves as the inaugural Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Eastern Mennonite University and Professor in their Center for Justice and Peacebuilding. Her last solely authored book is Experiencing Puerto Rican Citizenship and Cultural Nationalism.

Preface ix

I Engaging Conflict 1

1 Engaging and Disrupting for Social Change 3

2 The Neutrality Trap 27

3 Intersectionality and Social Change 51

4 Constructive Engagement 77

II Deepening Conflict 101

5 The Hope and Challenge of Enduring Conflict 103

6 Beyond Evil, Stupid, and Crazy: Systems of Privilege and Oppression 137

III Strategic Disruption 167

7 From Chaotic to Strategic Disruption 169

8 Allies, Teams, and Leaders 193

9 Disrupting and Connecting for Social Change: A Forward Look 213

References 233

Acknowledgments 247

About the Authors 250

Index 252