ICRSS: Interactive Conflict Resolution Support System for inter-group situations

An overview is presented of a computer-based methodology for intergroup conflict resolution that uses Pareto optimal techniques and can be administered totally by a computer interface. The methodology uses the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to assign weights to issues for each group and then computes various feasible treaties or courses of action. These treaties can then be negotiated with the constraint that each group can raise its treaty value as long as the other group does not suffer a loss (Pareto optimality). An additional benefit of the methodology is that as the assumptions, goals, and issues are determined, each group has the chance to view the other´s rationale without being thrust into conflict. A pilot study for testing the construct validity and usability of the system is presented