This text presents a study on conflict resolution and mediation based on the theoretical perspective of Johan Galtung.

(…) Our intention with this essay is to contribute to an understanding of the events that took place in Ecuador in April 2005—actions that led to the ousting of the then-President, retired Colonel Lucio Gutiérrez. We propose a schematic analysis that can be applied to understand and implement measures for preventing, mitigating, and improving conflict situations, while also examining the role of mediation and conflict resolution in this context.

This book does not aim to cover the entire subject matter or address every specific detail; rather, it seeks to present the issues at hand to the reader, along with the perspective from which they are studied. It is worth noting that both mediation and conflict resolution are practices largely unknown in our local environment, which is why we believe a contribution such as this is essential.

We are deeply concerned by the recurring violent events in Ecuador in recent years; for this reason, we have taken the events preceding and accompanying the ousting of the now-former President Gutiérrez as our starting point. Consequently, this work also serves as a commentary on those events.

From the Introduction by Damián Toro.