Diskussionsbeiträge der Projektgruppe Friedensforschung Konstanz, Nr. 53, 2004

4
Emotional involvement in the conflict
 
E4
Escalation-oriented pole: Destructive Emotions
     
E4.1

A focus on "their" viciousness and dangerousness & accentuation of "our" strength create a balance between threat and confidence which promotes willingness to engage in struggle (or war)

E4.2
Mistrust of the opponent and/ or neutral third parties who try to mediate in the conflict is encouraged (e.g. by depicting the party as untrustworthy, prone to violating treaties, etc.)
E4.3
A focus on "their" atrocities and "our" justness transforms outrage at war into outrage at the enemy
E4.4 Interpunktuation of the conflict, demonization of "their" intentions and/or justification of "our" behaviour jeopardize empathy with "their" situation: if they behave well, they have nothing to fear
E4.5 Denial of possibilities for cooperation and/or blaming the opponent for the failure of cooperation jeopardizes rebuilding of trust
     
D4
De-escalation-oriented pole: Constructive emotions

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