Have Gavel, Will Travel: Dispute Resolution's Innocents Abroad

An increasing number of U.S.-based conflict resolution providers and educators are now also working outside the country, carrying with them, in some sense, the mantle of conflict resolution expert. But it is possible that some well-meaning people - though genuine experts in a given area - may inadvertently cause harm to persons and parties for whose culture, language, or circumstances these professionals' U.S. experience has left them inadequately prepared. This article describes how a group of professionals with substantial experience working outside the United States analyzed the dangers; it also makes suggestions for the innocent abroad.