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Christopher Mitchell, formerly professor of international relations at The City University, London, has joined Mason's Center for Conflict Analysis and Resolution. He also has an appointment as a professor with the Department of Public Affairs.
He received his Ph.D. in international relations at University College, London, in 1971. Mitchell's other teaching posts include the University of Southampton and the University of Surrey. He was also a research associate with the Centre for the Analysis of Conflict, University College from 1966-70, and a senior research officer with the Conflict Research Unit at the London School of Economics from 1970-71.
Mitchell's books include The Structure of International Conflict (Macmillan/St Martins Press, 1981), and Peacemaking and the Consultant's Role (Gower Press/Nicholls Publishing Company, 1981). He has published articles in journals such as International Studies Quarterly, Journal of Peace Research, and the Journal of Conflict Resolution.
"Mason's conflict resolution program is very exciting," says Mitchell. "I have been working in the field for 20 years, and there is nothing comparable to it in Great Britain." He was introduced to Mason by the late Bryant Wedge, who helped develop Mason's Center for Conflict Analysis and Resolution in 1980, and distinguished visiting professor of conflict resolution John Burton, one of Mitchell's former colleagues at the University of London.
Mitchell, whose task is to build a strong research program linked to the new doctoral program at the center, is excited about the opportunity to work in ''theory-building and theory-busting" in all ranges of conflict, from international to interpersonal disputes. He is particularly intrigued by the crises in Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Sri Lanka, and Haiti, "in which other governments feel they must meddle," Mitchell says.
He now teaches introductory courses in research methods for the master's degree program in conflict resolution, and in the spring he will teach doctoral level courses in conflict resolution. "I started as a historian, and made my journey to social science through economics," he says, explaining his background. "It seems like a logical progression, since theories of conflict can't be postulated in a vacuum."
Conflict resolution is experiencing a "boom period," with the United States, Canada, the Soviet Union, and Western European nations all contributing resources apd developing programs in the field. Mason's graduate programs will have a "considerable impact," he says.
Image of the original news article from The Mason Gazette, pg. 3, November 11th, 1988:
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