Dialogue and "terrorists": An analysis of methods and conditions for effective resolution of protracted conflicts

This work demonstrates dialogue's potential---when used in conjunction with other methods of conflict resolution---as an alternative solution to the use of force in instances of protracted conflicts involving armed groups. It makes the case that under certain conditions, "terrorist" groups will refrain from violent strategies in favor of engagement in peacebuilding processes as a means of achieving their aims. Utilizing findings derived from case study comparisons involving the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in Northern Ireland and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in Palestine, inferences are made as to how observed parallels might be applied to the current situation in Palestine. Hypotheses are drawn as to how to engage Hamas, the territory's most recently elected governmental body, into the process of dialogue such that the results may produce heightened inter-group understanding with its global neighbors as well as some measure of conflict resolution.