Governments, publics, and enemies: Intragroup dynamics as barriers to conflict resolution

• Published in: Dynamics of asymmetric conflict 2014-09, Vol.7 (2-3), p.198-225
• Main Authors: Bachar, Gilat, Weiner, Allen S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: conflict resolution; intergroup conflict; intractable conflict; social-psychological conflict dynamics
• ISSN: 1746-7586; 1746-7594
• DOI: 10.1080/17467586.2014.970564

Scholars and political commentators have long noted that domestic or internal politics can play a significant role in the development of foreign (or other intergroup) relations. In the context of international (or other intergroup) conflicts, the literature notes that such features as disparate interests within a group or leader-constituent dynamics can impede the prospects for intergroup conflict resolution. Scholarly writing on the topic, however, tends to be cabined along disciplinary lines. This article is interdisciplinary and draws lessons from different fields, particularly from political science and social psychology, to describe various intragroup structures and dynamics that can constitute barriers to intergroup conflict resolution. Among other observations, the article notes the unintended effect that statements directed towards one audience in a conflict setting (i.e. the negotiating adversary or key outside actors in the international community) may have on the other audience (i.e. the speaker's domestic constituency), and how these effects can serve to diminish the prospects for conflict resolution.