Seminar in Political Psychology of Conflicts and Their Resolutions

A Seminar in Political Psychology of Conflicts and Their Resolutions

Instructor: Dr. Rony Berger

 

SEMINAR OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES

What causes conflicts such as those in Bosnia, Rwanda, North Ireland Ukraine and the Middle East to erupt? How come people who live harmoniously for years, can one day commit heinous acts of barbaric violence against their neighbors?  Why did 9/11 happen? Could Al Qaida survive without Bin Laden? Why so many European Moslems are joining the notorious Islamic State of Iraq and Syria- ISIS) organization? How come the Hamas rejected several ceasefire proposals sacrificing the population during operation Protective Edge?

These are some of the questions we will be grappling with in this seminar which combines political and social psychology perspectives regarding conflicts and their resolutions. The premise of this seminar is that understanding the psychological causes of political conflicts is essential if we are to affect patterns of behaviors that are harmful for humanity and promote patterns of behavior beneficial for humanity.

We will start by introducing the major concepts and theories of political psychology focusing on the role of personality, cognition, emotions, social identity, attitudes and intergroup relationships in the political arena. Thereafter, the seminar will be divided into two parts. The first part will focus on the underlying reasons for political conflicts with particular emphasis on violent conflicts (war, terror and genocide). The second part will focus on theories and practices to resolve conflicts including understanding barriers and strategies for conflict resolution well as issues regarding reconciliation and peace-building efforts. The seminar will not only introduce the students to theoretical and conceptual dilemmas in the field but will also attempt to address real life current political conflicts.

This seminar will be comprised of didactic lectures, class discussions, and most importantly, analysis of case-studies regarding past of current political conflicts. Each student will be required to present a topic from the textbook or other readings and to be responsible for facilitating a discussion or an experiential exercise regarding the topic.

Attendance and participation - Attendance in all classes is mandatory (students will be excused only with a special permission by the teacher). Active involvement in class discussions, role playing and simulations and is required

Reading – For each class you will have to read the required reading.  The course basic textbook is:

Bar-Tal, D. (2011). Intergroup Conflicts and Their Resolution, New York: Psychology Press.

Each class you will be required to read the assigned chapters + assigned articles.

Class Presentations – In order to facilitate active learning each student will prepare a class presentation which will include three parts: 1) A theoretical exposition; 2) An experiential part (a simulation or role-playing related to the topic of the presentation and 3) A class discussion which will engage the students in relating to the presented material or the experiential part. The instructor will help the students prepare these presentations

Final Paper – Students will pick up a topic from the materials learned in class (can be on the same topic as the presentation) and will apply it to explain a current phenomenon related to current or past political conflict.  The paper will be between 18-25 double-spaced pages. Referat: between 8 and 13 pages.

Evaluation

Grading – The course grade will be based on three components:

1) Class participation (20%) – Each of the ten classes is 4 points.

2) Class presentation (20%) – The class presentation can be the same as the seminar paper or different. The grade will be based on the instructor's evaluation regarding the depth and ingenuity of the presentation as well as the participation of the students in the experiential part and the class discussion.

3) Final paper (60%) – The topic of the paper will be approved by the instructor in advance and will be graded for the logicality, originality, creativity of the implementation of the topic to real life political conflict. 

 

Class	Topics of Class	Presentation	Bibliography
1 26.10.16	Introduction to Political and Social Psychology of Conflicts and Their Resolutions -  the role of personality, cognition, emotions, social identity, attitudes and intergroup relationships in the political arena	No student presentation	No readings
2 2.11.16	Foundation of intergroup conflict - the dynamics of groups and group intergroup Perceptual cognitive  factors of conflicts Role and nature of emotions in intergroup conflicts and their resolution	Two presentations: 1)Intergroup  relationship, dynamics &  conflict 2)Formation of self & enemy images	Required: Items  # 1  & 2 Optional:  Items #3
3 9.11.16	Appraisal-based model and the role of emotions in determining nature of conflict. How collective memory of the past affect current political conflicts	Two presentations: 1)Emotion regulation – an appraisal-based model 2) The impact of collective  past memory on current political conflicts	Required: Items  # 4  & 5 Optional:  Items #6 & 7
4 16.11.16	Theories of group identification, identity threat and intergroup conflict & the role of identity in conflict reduction The role of ideology in political conflicts	Two presentations: 1)Identity threat and intergroup conflict 2) Ideological polarization & conflicts	Required: Items  # 8  & 9 Optional:  Items #10
5 23.11.16	Sources of intergroup conflicts and the conditions that lead to mass violence and genocide	Two presentations: 1) The conditions that promote violent ethnic conflicts 2) Genocide and ethnic cleansing	Required: Items  # 11  & 12 Optional:  Items #13
6 30.11.16	The political psychology of terrorism and the motivation of the terrorists How do we de-radicalize extremists and create a de-radicalization programs	Two presentations: 1) Terrorism – individual, group and organizational motivation 2)  De-radicalization – from extremism into prosocial orientation	Required: Items  # 14  & 15 Optional:  Items #16 & 17
7 7.12.16	A socio- psychological approach to conflict resolution – concepts and processes Interactive conflict resolution	Two presentations: 1) A socio- psychological approach to conflict resolution   2) Interactive conflict resolution	Required: Items  # 18  & 19 Optional:  Items #20
8 14.12.16	Challenges traditional assumptions on conflict resolution and power dynamics Socio-psychological barriers to conflict resolution – world view, emotions, personality & cognitions	Two presentations: 1) Key issues in reconciliation 2) Socio-psychological barriers to conflict resolution	Required: Items  # 21  & 22 Optional:  Items #23
9 21.12.16	How does a nation reconcile after a genocide Negotiation and mediation in intergroup conflict and ripeness theory	Two presentations: 1) Reconciliation after genocide Negotiation and mediation in intergroup conflict	Required: Items  # 24  & 25 Optional:  Items #26
10 28.12.16	Between reconciliation and peace-making- theory of peaceful co-existence A socio-psychological approach toward peace-making	One presentation: Peace-making approaches toward political conflicts	Required: Items  # 27 & 28

 

REFERENCES:

For Class 1

Topic: Introduction to Political and Social Psychology of Conflicts and Their Resolutions

No reading

For Class 2

Topic: Foundation of intergroup conflict

Required:

1. Coutant, D.K., Worchel, S., & Hanza, M. (2011). Pigs, slingshots and other foundation of intergroup conflict. In Bar-Tal, D. (Ed.), Intergroup conflicts and their resolution: Social psychological perspective. (pp. 39-60). New York: Psychology Press. (301.6 INT).
2. Fisher, R.J., & Kelman, H.C. (2011). Perceptions in conflict. In Bar-Tal, D. (Ed.), Intergroup conflicts and their resolution: Social psychological perspective. (pp. 61-82). New York: Psychology Press. (301.6 INT).

Suggested Reading:

1. Cottam, M.L., Dietz-Uhler, B., Mastos, E., & Preston, T. (2010). Introduction to political psychology (2^nd Edition). New York: Psychology Press. (320.019 INT) Chapters 3-4 (pp. 37-99).

For Class 3

The role of emotions and collective memory in affecting current political conflicts

Required:

1. Halperin, E., & Sharvit, K., & Gross, J.J. (2011). Emotion and emotion regulation in intergroup conflict: An appraisal-based framework. In Bar-Tal, D.  (Ed.), Intergroup conflicts and their resolution: Social psychological perspective. (pp. 83-104). New York: Psychology Press.
2. Paez, D. R., & Hou-fu Liu, J.(2011). Collective memory of conflicts. In Bar-Tal, D.  (Ed.), Intergroup conflicts and their resolution: Social psychological perspective. (pp. 106-125). New York: Psychology Press.

Suggested Reading:

1. Halperin, E., Bar-Tal, D., Nets-Zehngut, R., &  Drori , E. (2008). Emotions in Conflict: Correlates of Fear and Hope in the Israeli-Jewish Society.  Peace and Conflict, 14:233–258.
2. Volkan, V.M. (2001). Transgenerational transmission and chosen trauma: An aspect of large-group identity. Group Analysis, 34: 79-97.

http://www.vamikvolkan.com/Transgenerational-Transmissions-and-Chosen-Traumas.php

For Class 4

The role identity and ideology in political conflicts

Required:

1. Brewer, M.B. (2011). Identity and conflict. In Bar-Tal, D.  (Ed.), Intergroup conflicts and their resolution: Social psychological perspective. (pp. 125-144). New York: Psychology Press.
2. Krochik M., & Jost, T. J.(2011). Ideological conflict and polarization: A social psychological perspective. In Bar-Tal, D.  (Ed.), Intergroup conflicts and their resolution: Social psychological perspective. (pp. 145-174). New York: Psychology Press.

Suggested Reading:

1. Jost, J. T. (2006). The end of the end of ideology. American Psychologist, 61, 651-670.

For Class 5

Sources of intergroup conflicts and mass violence

Required:

1. Staub, E. (2011). Overcoming Evil. Ch. 3 & 4 (pp. 51-131. New York: oxford Press. (301.64 STA)
2. Elcheroth, G., & Spini, D.. (2011). Political violence, intergroup conflict and ethnic categories. In Bar-Tal, D.  (Ed.), Intergroup conflicts and their resolution: Social psychological perspective. (pp. 175-194). New York: Psychology Press.

Suggested Reading:

1. Staub, E. (2011). Overcoming Evil. Ch. 5 (pp. 132-165. New York: oxford Press. (301.64 STA)

For Class 6

Required:

1. Cottam, M.L., Dietz-Uhler, B., Mastos, E., & Preston, T. (2010). Introduction to political psychology (2^nd Edition). New York: Psychology Press. (320.019 INT). Ch. 10 (pp. 263-291).
2. Kurglanski, A., & Sharvit, K, & Fishman, S. (2011). Working of the terrorist mind: the individual group and organizational psychologires. In Bar-Tal, D. (Ed.), Intergroup conflicts and their resolution: Social psychological perspective. (pp. 195-216). New York: Psychology Press.

Suggested Reading:

1. Berger, R., & Zimbardo, P. (2012). Creating a partner: A qualitative study of political extremists and ex-gang members who have chosen the antiviolence path. The Council on Foreign Relations. file:///D:/Users/Roni_dell/Downloads/SAVE_paper_Berger_Zimbardo%20(2).pdf
2. Fernando, R. (2011). Exit from terrorism: A qualitative empirical study on disengagement and de-radicalization among members of ETA, Terrorism and Political Violence, 23:5,780-803.

For Classes 7

Conflict resolution

Required:

1.  Reykowski, J., & Cislak, A. (2011). Socio-psychological approaches to conflict resolution. In Bar-Tal, D. (Ed.), Intergroup conflicts and their resolution: Social psychological perspective. (pp. 241-267). New York: Psychology Press.
2. Fisher, R. J., Kelman, H.C., & Nan, S. A. (2013). Conflict analysis and resolution. In D. L. Huddy, R., O. Sears, & J. K. Jervis (Eds.) Oxford handbook of political psychology (2^nd Edition) (pp. 489-519). New York: Oxford University Press.

Suggested Reading:

1.  Coleman, P. T. (2006). Conflict, Complexity, and Change: A Meta-Framework for Addressing Protracted, Intractable Conflicts--III. Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology, 12(4), 325-348.

For Class 8

Fourth Group of Barriers - Emotional Barriers to Peace

Required:

1.  Rouhana, N. N. (2011). Key issues in reconciliation: Challenges traditional assumptions on conflict resolution and power dynamics. In Bar-Tal, D. (Ed.), Intergroup conflicts and their resolution: Social psychological perspective. (pp. 291-314). New York: Psychology Press.
2. Bar-Tal, D & Halperin, E (2011). Socio-psychological barriers to conflict resolution. In D, Bar-Tal (Ed) Intergroup conflicts and their resolution: Social psychological perspective. (pp. 217-240), New-York: Psychology Press.

Suggested Reading:

1. Nadler, A., & Shanbal, N. (2008). Instrumental and socio-emotional paths to intergroup reconciliation and the needs-based model of socio-emotional reconciliation. In A. Nadler, T.F., Malloy, & J.D., Fisher. The social psychology of intergroup reconciliation. (pp. 37-56). New York: Oxford University Press. (301.64 SOC)

For Class 9

Overcoming psychological barriers & Course Summery

Required:

1.  Staub, E. (2008). Promoting reconciliation after genocide and mass killing in Rwanda. In A. Nadler, T.F., Malloy, & J.D., Fisher. The social psychology of intergroup reconciliation. (pp. 395-422). New York: Oxford University Press. (301.64 SOC)
2.  Pruitt, D.J. (2011). Negotiation and mediation in intergroup conflict. In Bar-Tal, D. (Ed.), Intergroup conflicts and their resolution: Social psychological perspective. (pp. 267-290). New York: Psychology Press.

Suggested Reading:

1. Stephan, W. J.(2008). The road to reconciliation. In A. Nadler, T.F., Malloy, & J.D., Fisher. The social psychology of intergroup reconciliation. (pp. 363-394). New York: Oxford University Press.

For Class 10

Required:

1.  Worchel, S., Coutant, D. (2008). Between conflict and reconciliation: Toward theory of peaceful co-existence. In A. Nadler, T.F., Malloy, & J.D., Fisher. The social psychology of intergroup reconciliation. (pp. 423-446). New York: Oxford University Press.
2.  Boehnke, K., Schmitke, H., & Shani, M. (2011). Negotiation and mediation in intergroup conflict. In Bar-Tal, D. (Ed.), Intergroup conflicts and their resolution: Social psychological perspective. (pp. 315-334). New York: Psychology Press.