Star Wars like you’ve never seen it before You know Star Wars is about the epic battle between good and evil…but did you know that Star Wars also teaches us how to negotiate deals, handle conflicts, and improve relationships? Conflict is everywhere—at home, on the job, and certainly in our politics and international affairs. Resolving such conflicts is an invaluable skill. Can we do it without a lightsaber? Maybe Yoda or Obi-Wan Kenobi or even Emperor Palpatine have some answers. George Lucas’s Star Wars films are a master class in conflict and conflict resolution, from galactic disputes—Empire vs. Rebellion, Death Star vs. X-wing—to interpersonal conflicts, as between Princess Leia and Han Solo, R2-D2 and C-3PO, or Masters and Padawans. Start to finish, the saga is one wild podrace ride between aggressive negotiations and diplomatic solutions. This book brings together experts in negotiation, law, business, psychology, mediation, management, and communication to dissect some of the movies’ most fascinating conflicts, like: Was Anakin Skywalker’s transformation into Darth Vader inevitable? - Who’s better at managing conflict: Jedi or Sith? - How did Luke Skywalker negotiate his way away from the dark side? - What makes Rey, Jyn Erso, and Padmé such good negotiators? Fans of Star Wars will appreciate the book’s new perspective along with the practical negotiation and conflict resolution skills that can restore peace and justice to a relationship, a workplace, a community, or even a galaxy. "Star Wars may have taken place a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, but the insights of the chapter authors in this book could not be more relevant today.... Star Wars and Conflict Resolution is a brilliant idea for a book. These editors are my kind of scum!" - Kevin S. Decker, co-editor of Star Wars and Philosophy (vols I, II & III) "A must-read for any Jedi in training - or managers searching for an accessible and fun but science-based book on conflict resolution." - Alfred Zerres, Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior, University of Amsterdam "When I saw the title of this book, I had to buy it! I always love links with popular culture as a way of teaching and exploring concepts. Whether or not you're a Star Wars fan, this book will intrigue and delight you... terrific reading, whether you are a practitioner, a trainer or a Jedi knight! - Samantha Hardy, Conflict Management Specialist, Coach, Mediator, Consultant, and Trainer "Looking to another galaxy long ago and far, far away, this remarkable book shows how words, not weapons, win peace in our galaxy today." - William Irwin, General Editor of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series "...whether you have watched the films dozens of times or you know Yoda only from popular culture - you will be rewarded with gems of insight." - Michelle LeBaron, Professor of Law, University of British Columbia; author of Bridging, Troubled Waters: Conflict Resolution from the Heart "Negotiation can be tough, regardless of whether it's with Darth Vader or Vladimir Putin or your boss - and this collection of remarkable papers shows how to do it.... Read this book to learn how to not make the wrong deal with the devil, to never suffer "bait-and-switch" and other nefarious negotiation tactics, and to learn to negotiate from Star Wars negotiating, which is, and this is the fun part, just as much about negotiating here on Earth." - Peter Carnevale, Professor of Management and Organization, University of Southern California; co-author of Negotiation in Social Conflict "...This book shows why the Jedi Academy should have taught mediation, and how we could use this assisted negotiation process in our own lives. It also reminds us to always feel the Force!" - Rosa Abdelnour, Mediator, Costa Rica "Even for someone who dislikes pretty much everything Star Wars, I find this book to be a well-written and accessible introduction to the evidence-based science of negotiation and conflict management. And if you like Star Wars then even better!" - Bruce Barry, Vanderbilt University, Professor of Management; co-author of Essentials of Negotiation "When we experience conflict, it's easy to go to "the Dark Side" and let anxiety, uncertainty, and discomfort take control of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In this insightful and enjoyable read, the authors share concrete and helpful perspectives for anyone trying to get better at managing difficult people and tricky situations. (On second thought, Do or Do Not. There is no try.)" - Deborah Grayson Riegel, author of Overcoming Overthinking: 36 Ways to Tame Anxiety for Work, School, and Life and adjunct professor at Columbia Business School and Wharton Business School "This exceptionally creative book can make profound contributions to our work. In the law school context, it offers unique opportunities for insight—and laughter, which we can all use in today's