Every contribution to this book builds on the works of a remarkable set of scholars, practitioners, and innovators—people who engaged in dispute resolution research, theory, and practice at a time when the concept of “dispute resolution” as an organizing concept for disparate disciplinary inquiries was unknown. The two of us did not have the opportunity to know or work with some of the earliest pioneers in this field, though we continue to be inspired by the words of figures such as Mary Parker Follett and Lon Fuller. We have been blessed to have had the opportunity to learn from, to work with, and to be inspired by some of the figures who have most shaped the modern understanding of dispute resolution—the prominent names in the field. These include not only many of the contributors to this volume, but also Chris Argyris, Roger Fisher, Christopher Honeyman, Bob Mnookin, Howard Raiffa, Len Riskin, Nancy Rogers, Jeff Rubin, Jim Sebenius, Michael Wheeler, and Bill Ury. To these people, we (personally and on behalf of the field generally) extend our heartfelt thanks.

This book would not have been possible without the pathbreaking work of those before us who created the institutions that have allowed work on dispute resolution to thrive. Some of the relevant institutions are conspicuous—centers and programs at major universities, for example. The forces behind them are less formal, but nonetheless important—deans, department chairs, and faculties who have supported work in this still-not-entirely-established field. Not all of those who contribute to the successes of a project like this one receive the attention they deserve.

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