Identity Issues

Beyond Intractability: A Free Knowledge Base on More Constructive Approaches to Destructive Conflict

Identity Issues

	Identity Issues Israelis and Palestinians, Protestants and Catholics, whites and blacks, labor and management...these are all examples of identities that have resulted in conflicts. This essay discusses the importance of identity in intractable conflicts.
	Post-Colonialism (The Aftermath of Colonization) Many of today's ethnic conflicts were caused, at least to some degree, by artificial boundaries, identities, and role relationships that were established by colonizing powers decades or even centuries before. Though the colonial power has most often left the scene, the social and political landscape that was left behind is fraught with tensions, often leading to intractable violent conflicts. This essay explores the link between colonization and later ethnic tension and violence.
	Nationalism Nationalism is an extension of identity group conflicts in which feelings of identity coincide with loyalty to one's nation-state or national group, even when a formal nation-state does not exist (as with the Palestinians.)
	Religion and Conflict Religion is both a cause and a solution to many intractable conflicts. This essay discusses the role that religion plays in the creation and support of intractable conflicts. The essay on Religion and Peace looks at the role that religious actors and religion per se has and can play in the transformation or resolution of such conflicts.
	Scapegoating The term scapegoat refers to people who are forced to bear responsibility for the mistakes of others. Scapegoating can prolong conflict and lead to intense violence.

The good we secure for ourselves is precarious and uncertain until it is secured for all of us and incorporated into our common life. -- Jane Addams

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