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unwall's review
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.25
A walkthrough of the causes of high conflict, with clear, detailed descriptions and nuanced analysis of several examples. The stories of conflict seem carefully selected — a conflict between the lawyer who invented divorce mediation and his neighbors, for example, or a political dispute between a Rabbi and his congregation. Ripley seems to have thoroughly researched each conflict through interviews with all parties, both directly and indirectly involved or impacted. The “how we get out” part seems less clear — it’s more learn-by-example than step-by-step guide to conflict resolution, but the few specific changes in mindset and action that Ripley promotes are proven to shift the outcomes of conflict dramatically.
alicebme's review
5.0
Excellent read for everyone. Even if you think you aren’t in high conflict, your country is, and you might be in some way on a smaller scale. Appreciated the personal stories and the straightforward questions and steps to help prevent or reduce high conflict.
rosietomyn's review
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
High Conflict by Amanda Ripley is a timely, informative, interesting read. Ripley covers the many emotional and psychological blockades that prevent rational thought. She points at roots of hate that exist in binary systems that create us vs them mentalities. She also warns against "fire starters" that stir up discontent, finger pointing, and identity politics.
There are many now in the business of selling culture wars and getting folks hyper fixated on the "other." These are the fire starters. It is sad to see so many people angrily accepting their rhetoric, and losing all ability to see the humanity in other people in the process.
The real-world examples Ripley shares are equal parts engaging, heartbreaking, and inspiring. Definitely a good read.
There are many now in the business of selling culture wars and getting folks hyper fixated on the "other." These are the fire starters. It is sad to see so many people angrily accepting their rhetoric, and losing all ability to see the humanity in other people in the process.
The real-world examples Ripley shares are equal parts engaging, heartbreaking, and inspiring. Definitely a good read.
missamandamae's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.5
This was really hopeful and inspiring to read - seeing how high conflict plays out in everyday life, and see how that leads to the larger conflicts that cause even greater pain. Gave me many things to ponder.
jaredwill_'s review
4.0
I read "How Civil Wars Start: And How to Stop Them" by Barbara F. Walter and "High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out" by Amanda Ripley together and, I think they are almost perfect companion pieces.
They both use some of the same examples as well as explore the dangers of conflict entrepreneurs but, more so they complement each other.
Walter's book shows how dangerous conflict can be and how the US is edging ever closer to civil war but, the solutions are macro and would need support in a deeply divided congress to implement.
Ripley's book details much lower stakes but, gives solutions that each individual person can take to reduce conflict around them.
Together they show how dangerous small-scale conflict can become if it's nurtured by conflict entrepreneurs, how individual people can slow or resolve these conflicts, and the kinds of tools governments can use to create bulwarks against the worst outcomes of these conflicts.
They both use some of the same examples as well as explore the dangers of conflict entrepreneurs but, more so they complement each other.
Walter's book shows how dangerous conflict can be and how the US is edging ever closer to civil war but, the solutions are macro and would need support in a deeply divided congress to implement.
Ripley's book details much lower stakes but, gives solutions that each individual person can take to reduce conflict around them.
Together they show how dangerous small-scale conflict can become if it's nurtured by conflict entrepreneurs, how individual people can slow or resolve these conflicts, and the kinds of tools governments can use to create bulwarks against the worst outcomes of these conflicts.