The 5% Problem: A Conflict at Columbia University

A pioneer on emerging research on intractable conflict, Peter Coleman examined the conflict at Columbia University regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A group of students at Columbia created a video on Columbia’s alleged bias towards Israel. This ultimately attracted huge mediate attention and then the conflict erupted on campus. Conflict is like a “huge hole that took years to dig but only seconds to fall into.” Once the conflict begins, it becomes so easily to get trapped in the conflict.

This four part video series provide an introduction to the “Five Percent Problem.” This video introduces emerging research on intractable conflicts. Each video is meant to help a diverse audience understand the fundamental concepts behind this area of emerging research and education.

Watch Video—
Purchase Book—

by Peter T. Coleman

Other videos in this series:
Part 1: An Introduction
Part 2: A Conflict in the South Bronx
Part 4: A Conflict in Mozambique

The International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution (ICCCR) blog promotes constructive conflict resolution, effective cooperation, and social justice. ICCCR is an innovative center committed to developing knowledge and practice to promote these themes. They work with sensitivity to cultural differences and emphasize the links between theory, research, and practice. While many other conflict resolution centers focus on providing training and consulting, the ICCCR training and work with the community is rooted in scholarship.