Political psychology has much to offer when it comes to analyze the reasons for continuing hostilities between two or more conflict actors. Based on these insights, the course examines the socio-psychological dynamics that contribute to the intractable character of protracted, violent conflicts.
Specifically, it aims to have a closer look at the dynamics of identity formation in the Israeli-Palestinian context. In which ways is the 'us' constructed in relation / opposition to the 'them'? How and why do apparent zero-sum identities contribute to the cycle of violence in the Middle East?
These questions will be addressed by both theoretical and empirical interdisciplinary approaches to the analysis of intractable conflicts.