Emotions in Conflict

Using a vast array of primary sources, critical literature analysis and first hand personal experiences in various conflict zones, Eran Halperin introduces a new perspective on psychological barriers to peace. Halperin focuses on various emotional mechanisms that hamper peace processes, even when parties face real opportunities for conflict resolution. Written in a clear and accessible style, Emotions in Conflict offers a thought provoking and pioneering insight into the role discrete intergroup emotions play in impeding, as well as facilitating, peace process in intractable conflicts.

Eran Halperin is currently an associate professor and the active dean of the School of Psychology at the Interdisciplinary Center, Herzliya, Israel. His research uses psychological and political theories and methods to investigate different aspects of intergroup conflicts. More specifically, he is interested in widening our understanding on the emotional roots of some of the most destructive political ramifications of intergroup relations.

Table of Contents: 1. Introduction 2. The Emotion Based Approach to Conflict Resolution - Some Basic Concepts 3. Intergroup Hatred in Intractable Conflicts - The Ultimate Barrier to Peace 4. Intergroup Anger in Intractable Conflicts - Not Exactly What You Had in Mind... 5. Societies under Threat - Collective Fear and Angst as Barriers and (at Times) Catalysts of Peace 6. Is Peace Really an Option? Hope, Despair and the Peace Process 7. Moral Emotions in Intractable Conflicts: Group-Based Guilt, Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation 8. Empathy as a Peace Catalyst in Intractable Conflict: Is It Feasible? Is It Enough? 9. The "Catch 22" of Intractable Conflicts: The Role of Pride and Humiliation in Conflicts and Peace Processes 10. Changing Feelings to Promote Peace: Emotion Regulation as a New Path to Conflict Resolution