Dialogue processes are becoming increasingly widely used. As originally conceived, these workshops were to be highly analytical. Thus conflict scholars with an expertise in conflict theory as well as the particular conflict at hand were considered the best facilitators. Many problem solving workshops are still carried out by academicians, but others are facilitated by mediators and other practitioners with less of a scholarly background. Other differences between processes are length of time and nature of the participants.
Some processes are just a few hours long, while others last a week or more.
Many continue over a period of time, for example having week-long meetings once or twice a year for several years. The similarities between all of these processes are that they are used to break down stereotypes, and to build up mutual understanding and trust between members of opposing groups. They are commonly used in public policy conflicts in the U.S., as well as in international conflicts and communal or ethnic conflicts around the world. Although they do not often lead directly to resolution, the mutual understanding that develops can pave the way for formal negotiations and eventual conflict resolution, even though that is not their immediate goal. The authors define a public peace process as one that is focused on systemic dialogue, not negotiation.