Public dispute resolution has great appeal around the world. In countries like Holland, Canada, and Germany mediation and other forms of assisted negotiation have been in use for some time. Some countries like the Philippines are just beginning to build their public dispute resolution capabilities. When and how the idea of using assisted negotiation to resolve public disputes "jumps" from one country to another is a subject of great interest to both dispute resolution practitioners and anthropologists. Often, an individual from one country will do some reconnaissance in another and serve as the inspiration for a kind of "technology transfer." Other times, officials in one country will invite dispute resolution practitioners from another to come and talk about their experience. A great deal of written material is making its way around the world. No matter what the source, the dangers of "exporting" public dispute resolution from one part of the world to another are substantial. Only those who know the "receiving" culture can do the appropriate tailoring and make the necessary translations. The chances that techniques or strategies will be taken out of context and used inappropriately are great. So, public dispute resolution practitioners working cross-culturally have a heavy burden. First, they need to be sure that they tell the whole story of what has happened in their home country. Then, they need to be certain that they are being understood. Next, they need to find partners who can make the necessary alterations and adjustments. Finally, they need "to put themselves out of business" by sharing everything they can with their partners and training them (particularly as trainers) so that no dependency is created.