EXPERT: Gabrielle Rifkind
Gabrielle Rifkind is a Conflict Resolution Specialist and Founder of Oxford Process
Gabrielle Rifkind runs the Oxford Process, which intervenes in the most takes a psychological insight to understand the roots of conflict. From her early work as a probation officer she developed an understanding of a universal human potential for destructiveness – and believes that accepting that will lead to greater empathy.Difficult childhoods and feelings of displacement may plead to feelings of displacement, lack of safety and insecurity – and a need for belonging. Groups which promote simplistic thinking can provide that sense of community and safety. She talks about the need to create a sense of a broader community between different groups to generate a feeling of shared humanity – and how that would bring about peace far more effectively than any military action. The challenge is managing difference sensitively, and generating a tolerant culture where difference can be respected. Conflict is a part of life, says Gabrielle, and can be a creative force too.