📖 Overview
Peter T. Coleman is a social psychologist and professor at Columbia University, where he serves as the Director of the Morton Deutsch International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution. His work focuses on conflict resolution, sustainable peace, and the dynamics of intractable conflicts.
Coleman has authored multiple influential books including "The Five Percent: Finding Solutions to Seemingly Impossible Conflicts" and "Making Conflict Work: Harnessing the Power of Disagreement." His research examines complex conflicts at various scales, from interpersonal disputes to international relations.
At Columbia University's Advanced Consortium on Cooperation, Conflict, and Complexity (AC4), Coleman leads research initiatives that combine systems science with conflict resolution. He has received several academic honors, including the Morton Deutsch Conflict Resolution Award and the Peace Award from the Society for the Study of Peace, Conflict, and Violence.
Coleman regularly contributes to academic journals and media outlets on topics related to conflict transformation and social justice. His interdisciplinary approach combines psychology, peace studies, education, and systems science to address challenging social issues.
👀 Reviews
Readers value Coleman's academic expertise and practical strategies for addressing complex conflicts. His ability to break down conflict dynamics using real-world examples receives frequent mentions in reviews.
What readers liked:
- Clear explanation of systems thinking applied to conflict
- Balance of research and actionable advice
- In-depth case studies that illustrate key concepts
- Professional but accessible writing style
What readers disliked:
- Some find the academic tone too dense
- Occasional repetition of concepts
- Limited coverage of everyday interpersonal conflicts
- Some readers wanted more concrete resolution techniques
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads: "The Five Percent" - 4.1/5 (200+ ratings)
"Making Conflict Work" - 3.9/5 (150+ ratings)
Amazon: Average 4.3/5 across titles
Notable reader comments:
"Helped me understand why some conflicts seem impossible to solve" - Goodreads
"Great for practitioners but heavy on theory" - Amazon reviewer
"Changed how I approach workplace disagreements" - Goodreads
📚 Books by Peter Coleman
The Five Percent (2011)
A study of seemingly impossible conflicts and why they persist, drawing from complexity science, social psychology, and conflict resolution.
The Way Out (2021) An examination of how polarized conflicts develop and methods for breaking deadlocked situations through real-world case studies.
Making Conflict Work (2014) An analysis of power dynamics in workplace conflicts, providing frameworks for managing hierarchical relationships and organizational disputes.
The Mediation Handbook (2000) A technical guide covering mediation principles, processes, and applications across different conflict scenarios.
Attracted to Conflict (2013) A research-based exploration of why certain conflicts become self-perpetuating and how complex systems theory applies to intractable disputes.
When Things Fell Apart (2017) A collection of case studies examining state failure in Africa during the 1990s, analyzing the breakdown of governmental institutions.
The Way Out (2021) An examination of how polarized conflicts develop and methods for breaking deadlocked situations through real-world case studies.
Making Conflict Work (2014) An analysis of power dynamics in workplace conflicts, providing frameworks for managing hierarchical relationships and organizational disputes.
The Mediation Handbook (2000) A technical guide covering mediation principles, processes, and applications across different conflict scenarios.
Attracted to Conflict (2013) A research-based exploration of why certain conflicts become self-perpetuating and how complex systems theory applies to intractable disputes.
When Things Fell Apart (2017) A collection of case studies examining state failure in Africa during the 1990s, analyzing the breakdown of governmental institutions.
👥 Similar authors
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Morton Deutsch pioneered research on cooperation, competition, and conflict resolution in social psychology. His theories on constructive conflict management influenced the field of peace studies and dispute resolution.
John Paul Lederach writes about peacebuilding and reconciliation in divided societies. His work draws from experiences mediating conflicts in over 25 countries across multiple continents.
Bernard Mayer examines conflict engagement and the role of neutrals in dispute resolution. His writing covers both theory and practice of conflict intervention across different contexts.
Michelle LeBaron explores cultural dimensions of conflict and bridges between different worldviews in conflict resolution. Her work incorporates insights from neuroscience and creative arts in addressing deep-rooted conflicts.