There are two ways of analysing the relation between textbooks and conflict, based on an understanding of conflict as the - ­socially constructed and communicated - incompatibility of different people's positions. If we focus on socio-political conflicts, we are essentially interested in the way in which such conflicts are reflected in textbooks and the way in which textbooks trigger conflicts. If we focus on textbooks, we can define their function in conflicts as follows: as a medium which sustains conflicts and passes on patterns of thought, and thereby encourages future conflict and even violent behaviour; or as a way of dealing with or preventing conflict.

The very origins of 'textbook work' lie in conflict prevention, which is based on the attempt to rid textbooks of their potential to perpetuate conflict. This has been the main focus of work carried out at the Georg Eckert Institute, which has pursued this goal on the basis of its involvement in numerous activities. This research area takes up this challenge and underpins the work of the institute by reflecting on these activities.

The points of discussion arising from conflicts in relation to textbooks may be classified as follows

1. Textbooks in Conflicts

2. Dealing with and Preventing Conflict via "Textbook Work"

3. Learning in (Post-)Conflict Societies

4. "Conflict" in Textbooks

5. Textbook Conflicts