Originally from Dispute Resolution Journal

Born out of the core principles underlying mediation—negotiation, compromise, and diplomacy—the Republic of India is, itself, a product of alternative dispute resolution. In fact, creation of the nation began with negotiations at the British-organized Round Table Conferences of 1930-1932, attended by representatives of every party invested in the future of India, including the Indian National Congress Party, Muslim League, and Sikh, Catholic, Depressed Class, and Princely State representatives.1 While the Round Table Conferences did not resolve all conflicts regarding Indian independence, the parties reached a compromise to initiate reforms between India and the British Empire: The Indian National Congress agreed to scale down the civil disobedience movement, and, in exchange, the British agreed to release all persons imprisoned for activities under the civil disobedience movement and withdraw all ordinances curbing the power of the Indian National Congress.2