The following article by Lois Kriesberg examines "(1) the characteristics of various kinds of identities, (2) how particular qualities of collective identities contribute to a conflict becoming intractable, (3) what shapes collective identities, and (4) how such identities can be modified to help transform and resolve intractable conflicts.
http://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/identity_issues/
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Intractable conflicts are conflicts that escalate to a high point of intensity/violence and remain unresolved. Our identities--how we view ourselves individually and collectively --can be a huge factor in trying to resolve conflicts (or determining whether or not they will occur). For instance in the Middle East, many religious groups (I believe Shiite and Sunni Muslims) are in conflict mainly because of their religious beliefs. Their beliefs, part of their identities, are both right in their own minds. However, each side believes that they are the only "right" ones, and neither is willing to compromise their beliefs or work towards negotiation. Due to this, there's probably going to be an intractable conflict for a long time.
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ReplyDeleteThe way we associate ourselves with certain groups gives an interesting indication about our personal sense of identity. Certain viewpoints appeal to different people, and others enjoy the exclusivity of the group or the superiority. These bonds form the most intractable conflicts because they are essential to our conception of ourselves. If we did not have these groups for identification, I do not think that these conflicts would occur as often.
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