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The Palestinian/Israeli Conflict: a geopolitical identity disorder
1Psychoanalytic Center of Philadelphia, PA, USA.
American Journal of Psychoanalysis
|March 20, 2009
Summary
Large-group dynamics in conflict zones may stem from "geopolitical identity disorder," mirroring severe psychological trauma. This condition leads to destructive intergroup conflict, akin to internal dissociation, with potentially lethal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- International Relations
- Conflict Studies
Background:
- Examines large-group dynamics in war-torn regions through a psychological lens.
- Introduces the concept of "geopolitical identity disorder" (GID).
Observation:
- Draws parallels between GID and dissociative identity disorder (DID) in severely traumatized individuals.
- Highlights how overwhelming emotions and aggression lead to fragmented group identities.
Findings:
- In GID, distinct group 'selves' fail to recognize their interdependence, leading to destructive conflict.
- Extreme GID manifests as attempts to eliminate 'the other,' a form of self-destructive geopolitical suicide.
- The Palestinian/Israeli conflict is presented as a case study of GID.
Implications:
- Suggests a new framework for understanding intractable geopolitical conflicts.
- Offers potential therapeutic avenues for de-escalating group conflict by addressing underlying identity fragmentation.
- Clinical vignettes illustrate the application of the GID model and potential interventions.
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