An Examination of United States Senate Interventions from 1993--1995: Managing Intractable Conflicts in Five Case Studies

This research analyzes the argument that conflict management theories on problemsolving approaches and the condition of empowerment, particularly (1) principles underlying problem-solving workshops and (2) processes consistent with these principles that are not normally used in the Senate, will help customary approaches of Senate committees to manage intractable conflicts in the traditional system for making a law.
The research is based on an assessment of Senate actions at the committee stage in five case studies during the 1993-1995 timeframe to address environmental and natural resource problems and conflicts.
The research methodology included a literature review of relevant theories, problems, and influences on the Senate system for making a law, direct observation and participation in many of the Senate actions, informal and formal interviews with individuals who were parties to the conflicts in the case studies, a review of relevant public documents, professional journals, and news reports, and an assessment of Senate actions against general and specific criteria of effectiveness. It was necessary to use multiple methods because of the enormously complex process o f developing new legislation.