Commentary on Herbert Kelman's contribution to interactive problem solving.

Abstract

It is an honor and a challenge to provide a commentary on Herbert Kelman's work on interactive problem solving (IPS), which presents a complex and integrated tapestry of theory, research, and practice devoted to the resolution of violent intergroup conflict, with special attention to the Israeli–Palestinian tragedy. In his tapestry, Herb has created a systematic and comprehensive description of the major components of IPS and its connections to the broader flow of international conflict management. Through four decades of thoughtful analysis and practice, Herb has articulated and elaborated the social-psychological rationale and the social technology of the problem-solving workshop (PSW) as the primary vehicle for IPS. The long term application of IPS to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict demonstrates the relevance and utility of the method, and will stand as a lasting contribution to the eventual resolution of that costly and tragic interaction.