Since posting our call for papers, we have received several inquiries about what a proposal for Star Wars and Conflict Resolution should look like. The short answer is that we are not expecting any particular format or presentation. We are delighted to receive proposals that make sense (in terms of organization, structure, specificity, whether to add citations, etc.) to the person making the proposal.

That said, we are looking for the following three elements in proposals. First, we need to know what conflict/negotiation/conflict resolution theme or concept you will discuss. Second, we want to get a sense of how you intend to show this theme/concept manifesting in Star Wars (a certain scene? a character? a storyline? a motif? a number of these?). Third, we would like to hear your thoughts on how your chapter might make a Star Wars fan think, “Huh, I understand that Star Wars scene/character/storyline better now!” after reading your chapter.

If you would like some examples of what a one-page proposal might look like, we include some here:

Sample 1: Of Banthas and BATNAs
Sample 2: Always Two, There Are
Sample 3: Persuasive Techniques in Star Wars
Sample 4: Why Don’t R2D2 and Yoda Like Each Other?

Feel free to use these proposals as a springboard for your own proposal, in terms of content or structure. (Although I’ve nearly finished the chapter based on Sample 4, so maybe don’t do that one.) Or do something totally different! Galaxies of possibilities here.

Finally, if you have Star Wars knowledge and are looking for a negotiation or conflict resolution foothold, consider subjects that are foundational in conflict management and would be great to have in our book, such as: interests-positions; integrative negotiation and/or distributive bargaining; alternatives and BATNA; relationships/rapport; trust; emotions; coalitions; leverage; cultural/gender issues in bargaining and conflict; persuasion and tactics; cognitive biases, behavioral economics, and critiques of the “rational actor”; process management; principal-agent tension; power and its uses in negotiation or third-party resolution; neutrality; facilitative, evaluative, narrative, and/or transformative approaches to third-party intervention; and reflective practice.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me or Noam if you want to discuss further. Thanks!