The book presents "ways of thinking about mediation and facilitation, about community and governance, and about the requirements of democratic society, which may have a real impact upon the public conflict resolution field" (p. ix). In doing so it identifies existing goals and function of PCR by providing a crucial analysis of the field, and offering credible direction as bridges between its practitioners, researchers, funders and participants, administrators, elected officials and community of people we serve. Key themes: Inability of traditional institutions of governance to address problems of contemporary democratic society Potential offered by practices of public conflict resolution Dangers posed by emerging ideologies of management The social crisis of governance and intended consumers of the product: authorities in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches The importance of addressing public policy conflict"