Ideological Conflict

Ideology Ideology: shared system of beliefs, values, emotions of a group Give group sense of identity Strongly tied to peoples’ sense of self In constant flux Interpreting in face of changing events Guiding strategy >>> unchanging principles Ideological conflict  perception that core beliefs being challenged

Ideological Conflict Often become intractable conflicts Ideology as shared idea helps specify targets of hostility Helps legitimize aggression Belief that coexistence not possible Perceive other as “less than” to dehumanize/ maintain distance High defensiveness Lose sight of original issue(s) Lack of open communication

Post-Cold War: so what? “While ideology, broadly defined as a minimally structured set of beliefs, was a primary explanation of armed conflict during the cold war, its relevance to the study of conflict appears to have diminished in recent decades. Contemporary armed conflicts have been increasingly characterized as transnational, resource-driven, private ventures with diminished political agendas.” http://rotarypeacecenternc.org/files/2012/09/Ugarriza-Craig-2012.pdf

Ideology Cold War (communism vs. capitalism) Creationism vs. evolution ‘liberal’ vs. ‘conservative’ Sunni v. Shiite split in Islam Others? Worldview via conflicting & entangled metanarratives

Ideology is the root behind most current conflicts in the world Ideology is the root behind most current conflicts in the world. Discuss. In a small group (2 or 3), discuss, then write 2 paragraphs explaining your conclusions. [Discuss= Offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.]