1. Ideological Conflict

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.”

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

6. 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.]