This is a wonderful and important book—matching deep insight into the human experience with practical guidance for managing emotionally charged conflicts. The authors interweave analysis with compelling case studies and cultural commentary that recognizes the multidimensional contexts in which emotional climates are created and conciliated. Conciliators, mediators, mental health specialists, and anyone else who helps others make peace in the world will benefit from their work.

Erin Ryan, Florida State University

Ladd and Blanchfield demonstrate deep and wise understanding of the complex underlying emotions, dynamics, and motivations of individuals, couples, and groups engaged in conflict. They show seasoned sensitivity in finding the leverage points within disputes at which an intervenor can really make a difference in diffusing both overt violence and seething resentment that might turn to violence. Adding cultural considerations of conflict to ‘emotional climate,’ a key concept in understanding the complexity of interpersonal conflicts, the authors present a macro view of conflict—one that will be most helpful to practitioners who are all too often conceptually stuck in the trenches of conflict, and unable to see the ‘big picture.’ Within this book, mediators and conciliators will find exciting insights, useful concepts, and practical tips for enhancing their practices as peacemakers.

Donald T. Saposnek, University of California, Santa Cruz

In a time when peace-making is desperately needed, Ladd and Blanchfield have provided a clear guide for conflict resolution, highlighting the importance of emotional climate. This book is a must-read for anyone in the business and for others who are looking for a grounded framework to better understand and resolve conflict.

AnnMarie Churchill, Memorial University of Newfoundland