Includes bibliographical references (pages 297-303) and index.

The crisis -- Conflict resolution: a field in crisis -- The resistance to conflict resolution -- The use (and misuse) of mediation -- Ten beliefs that get in our way -- Conflict resolution and society -- From resolution to engagement -- The power of engagement -- The conflict specialist -- Embracing advocacy -- Redefining conflict resolution. "Beyond Neutrality focuses on the current crisis in the field of conflict resolution and offers a pragmatic response. Mayer urges practitioners to evolve from resolution to engagement and actual advocacy, going beyond neutrality in order to redefine conflict resolution at a level of participation more appropriate to the current era. Mayer argues that to be more effective, conflict resolution professionals must become conflict engagement specialists and thereby become a more powerful force for changing the way conflict is conducted. By building on the old roles of mediators and facilitators, conflict resolution professionals can dramatically expand what they offer to people in conflict."--Jacket.