History, Memory, and Intractable Conflict

This article is the first of a two-part series that explores history and memory and their impact on long-term, intractable conflict. Memory is strongly connected to narrative, commemoration, identity, and emotions and becomes embedded in societies fraught with long-term conflict. The conflict resolution literature is explored in terms of how it addresses issues of the past. This article presents us with a deeper theoretical understanding of these issues, while the second will offer empirical research in this area and suggest implications for practice.This article is the first of a two-part series that explores history and memory and their impact on long-term, intractable conflict. Memory is strongly connected to narrative, commemoration, identity, and emotions and becomes embedded in societies fraught with long-term conflict. The conflict resolution literature is explored in terms of how it addresses issues of the past. This article presents us with a deeper theoretical understanding of these issues, while the second will offer empirical research in this area and suggest implications for practice.