This book focuses on managing diversity in regions and times of political tensions. Using Israel as an example, the author investigates diversity management in the socio-political context of a protracted national conflict - an area that remains largely unexplored.

Featuring the voices of different protagonists, as well as case studies, the book draws on an intersection between social psychological perspectives and critical sociological theories. This integrative conceptual approach mirrors the professional development of the author, who throughout her career has sought to unravel the enigma of complex human interpersonal and intergroup relations using a multifocal and interdisciplinary lens. This book underlines the need for interdisciplinary work, flexible approaches in dealing with the complexities of human relations and social structures, and an interface between research and practice.

Helena Desivilya Syna (PhD) is a social/organizational psychologist and Head of the Sociology/Anthropology Department and the Center for Diversity and Intergroup Conflicts Studies at the Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, Israel. Her research on social conflict, organizational behavior, and diversity management has been published in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters. She has also edited a number of books.

1;Foreword;6 2;Acknowledgements;10 3;Contents;11 4;List of Figures;14 5;List of Tables;15 6;1 A Prelude: The Urgency of Studying the Interface of Diversity and Political Tensions;16 6.1;The Structure of the Book;22 6.2;References;27 7;2 Exposition: Engaging Intergroup Relations in a Conflict-Ridden Society;30 7.1;References;47 8;3 Understanding the Interface of Diversity and Political Tensions in the Context of Divided Societies: A Multifocal Perspective of Social Psychology and Critical Theory;52 8.1;References;69 9;4 Case 1: Medical Staff Engaging Diversity at Work in Turbulent Times;75 9.1;Study 1. The Peace Dove's Comeback: Jewish-Arab Relations and Diversity Management at Work, Verging on Revival of Hopes for Peace;80 9.2;Study 2. The Wounded Peace Dove: Managing Diversity at Work Following Escalating Political Tensions;86 9.3;Study 3. Resuscitating the Peace Dove? Managing Diversity at the Interface of Active Escalation in the Protracted Israeli-Palestinian Conflict;90 9.4;References;100 10;5 Case 2: Managing Diversity in Academia: The Voices of Staff and Students in the Midst of Active National Conflict;106 10.1;The Setting of the Case;107 10.2;Perplexing Encounters with Diversity Interfacing Political Tensions in Academia;107 10.2.1;The Project's Main Features;109 10.2.2;Studying Together with the 'Enemy' at the Interface of Protracted Political Conflict;110 10.3;The Precarious Encounters of Academic Staff with Diversity in the Context of Protracted Conflict;114 10.3.1;Internationalisation at Home? Diversity-Related Experiences of Academic Staff;116 10.3.2;What Can Academics Tell Us About Encountering Diversity at the Interface with Political Tensions?;121 10.3.2.1;The Living Dilemma;121 10.3.2.2;Third Party Intervention;123 10.4;Students' Perspectives on Diversity in the Context of Political Tensions;127 10.4.1;Arab Students' Perspectives on Diversity;132 10.4.2;Jewish Students' Perspectives on Diversity;133 10.5;References;136 11;6 Case 3: Living in a Mixed City in Times of Political Tension;143 11.1;The Historical Context of Jewish-Arab/Palestinian Relations in the City of Haifa;144 11.2;Haifa in the Eyes of Jewish and Arab/Palestinian Beholders;147 11.3;The Image of Haifa: Picturesque! Beautiful! Enjoyable! a Model of Coexistence? People Dancing Together, Shopping and Eating in the Wadi, but Actually Living Separately;149 11.4;References;158 12;7 The Last Act: A Guide for the Perplexed-Concluding Insights on Managing Diversity in Places and Times of Political Tensions;162 12.1;What Do the Three Cases Tell Us About the Perplexing Encounters of Israelis with Diversity at the Interface of Political Tensions?;163 12.2;Expanding Joint Spaces of Encounter: Engaging with Diversity in Times and Places of Political Tensions;173 12.3;Concluding Notes on My Personal Voyage;178 12.4;References;180 13; Index;186