Dialogue and Compromise

At a historical moment in which conflicts that seem unstoppable are spreading across numerous areas of the planet, there is no shortage of appeals to dialogue, compromise, and thus to the peaceful resolution of conflicts. Personally, there is very little I can do, beyond hoping that such appeals will be heard.

I am neither a politician, nor a political scientist, nor a diplomat. In other words, I have no experience in conflict management. However, in my own small way, I have the firm impression that there are limits to the possibility of engaging in dialogue, reaching compromises, and thus resolving a conflict peacefully.

Let us suppose that, during the night, someone breaks into my apartment. In such a case, I do not think I would be able to establish a constructive dialogue. Let us suppose—hoping this never happens—that, in some dark alley, I run across someone who wants my head. Well, my head is not negotiable. Should I be considered a barbarian or uncivilized if, in such situations, and if there were a club within reach, I tried to smash the head of the motherfucker?