Intergroup Dialogue

Intergroup dialogue is a deliberative and structured process for enhancing understanding, promoting empathy, and dealing creatively with differences between conflicting groups. By bringing the disputing parties together in a safe space, channels of communication can be opened across the psychological, social, and/or physical divides that separate the groups. Intergroup dialogue is often facilitated by a neutral third party, someone who is not a member of either group and who is able to guide the process in an unbiased and fair manner. By coming together for facilitated discussions, participants who otherwise live in disconnected worlds can develop personal and working relationships, and they can explore possibilities for cooperation and reconciliation.

This entry describes the key aspects of intergroup dialogue, first by providing an overview of the concept ...