How can people, businesses and governments effectively resolve intense private and public controversies in increasingly multicultural societies? [This] splendid path breaking book shines bright light on this topic. Bridging the theoretical and practical with "action research," and with seven Asian countries and Hawai'i as focal points, Barnes both unravels the emerging dangers of cultural conflicts and offers fresh insights into diverse Asian dispute resolution concepts and practices. A must read for everyone interested in multicultural dispute resolution.
- Eric K. Yamamoto, Professor of Law and author of Interracial Justice: Conflict and Reconciliation in Post-Civil Rights America, winner of the Gust,
Many Americans seem to think mediation, the act of assisting others to negotiate peaceful and tractable solutions to their problems, is [newly] invented. Actually, it is an ancient and honored craft that spans 40,000 years of human history and the world's 4000 known culture and language groups. Bruce Barnes gives us a whirlwind tour of the intricate…forms mediation takes in the Asia and Pacific regions…More importantly, he…explains why culture and negotiation are inescapably braided together.
- Peter S. Adler, Ph.D., President, The Keystone Center,
[An] efficient and absorbing book....Barnes' tour of the Asian Pacific and its disputing and mediation styles is eye-opening....Focusing on China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Hawaii...Barnes explains a lot....It succeeds as a practical guide, not just to 'mediation', but to many ordinary social and business encounters....Culture, Conflict, and Mediation in the Asian Pacific has a greal deal to offer from many different points of view, both scholarly and practical.
Asian Criminology, December 2008
Chapters focus upon the practices of each nation in turn, and over thirty case studies robustly illuminate the points and suggestions that can be learned for global application. An advanced reference and resource especially recommended for study and reference by aspiring and professional mediators, whether in law, social work, or other fields.
Midwest Book Review