Online dispute resolution (ODR) may be described as an attempt to use the internet to mainstream alternative dispute resolution (ADR). The question how conflict resolution and information technology interact at a fundamental level has received little attention. Improving information exchange about the substantive issues in a conflict prevents escalation of conflict and assists in resolution. Dispute resolution always involves separation of substantive and emotional issues. This is achieved by means of the process and/or by the involvement of the neutral. Creating ODR systems thus involves the question how this ‘separation’ may be automated. This paper reports on a project of which the ultimate goal is to create a generic Computer Assisted Dispute Resolution (CADR) system by analysing the structure of conflict and the role of information exchange in it.

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