Description
Book SynopsisCan Israelis and Palestinians end their long conflict? The shocking violence of current events undermines hope, as does the long history of peace deals sabotaged by extremists on both sides. In this compelling and timely book, the eminent moral philosopher Jonathan Glover argues that one vital step towards progress is to better understand the disturbing psychology of the cycle of violence.
Glover explores the psychological flaws that entrap both sides: the urge to respond to wounds or humiliation with backlash; political or religious beliefs held with a rigidity that excludes compromise; and people’s identity being shaped by the conflict in ways that make it harder to imagine or even desire alternatives. Drawing on the history of comparable conflicts that eased over time, Glover proposes some ways to gradually weaken the grip of this psychology.
Completed as casualties mounted in the latest political and humanitarian crisis, Israelis and Palestinians is essential reading for anyone concerned by the ongoing violence in the Middle East.
Trade Review‘What singles this book out from all others about the conflict are two features: a sympathetic recognition of the traumas on both sides, but, more importantly, a deeper attempt to unravel and suggest ways to overcome the underlying and by-now self-perpetuating psychological forces that make peace today improbable. This is not a narrative that offers us a ready template for a “solution” in the classical sense: it is a call for what needs to be done to make what is now an improbable solution a possible one. For me, it was an eye-opener!’
Sari Nusseibeh, President Emeritus, Al-Quds University
‘Israelis and Palestinians is a book about a land and its tormented politics, but it is first and foremost about people. Jonathan Glover's humanist perspective avoids the common pitfalls of assigning blame or proposing "out-of-the-box" solutions to the indefatigable conflict. His empathetic account of the social and psychological barriers to peace is indispensable for anyone interested in understanding the conflict, let alone solving it.’
Assaf Sharon, Molad, The Center for the Renewal of Israeli Democracy
“deeply relevant […] With insight and understanding, Glover merges philosophy with psychology, arguing that atrocities are committed because of deeply embedded human tendencies.”
Gabrielle Rifkind, The Guardian
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Prologue
Part One: The Cycle of Violence
Chapter 1: Disputed Homeland
Chapter 2: Wounds and Backlash
Chapter 3: Breaking the Cycle?
Chapter 4: Joining the Conversation of Mankind
Part Two: Backlash
Chapter 5: The Psychology of Backlash
Chapter 6: The Illusions of Backlash
Chapter 7: Collective Guilt: The Role of Stereotypes
Part Three: Rigid Beliefs and Identity
Chapter 8: The Role of Rigid Beliefs
Chapter 9: Belief Systems: Challenge and Response
Chapter 10: Identity Traps
Epilogue
Notes Index
