The Psychodynamics of international relationships /

These two edited volumes are collections of papers by academics, psychoanalysts, and former diplomats that explore the psychological and social roots of political conflict. The authors' stated aim is to bring multidisciplinary perspectives to the study of conflicts in order to develop the tools to help manage and resolve conflicts more effectively. Volume 1 contains 16 papers of differing lengths on such topics as dehumanization, victimhood, the need for enemies, individual and group identity and the preconditions of aggression and violence. Volume 2 contains 13 papers that focus on the tools needed to resolve political conflicts through "unofficial" or "track two" diplomacy. Using real-world examples, the contributors attempt to show how psychologically sensitive interventions can be used to mediate conflicts and to promote healing between nations and peoples. Although they lack an overall integrative framework, these volumes contain several solid papers on conflict resolution that should be read by scholars, policymakers, and students of international relations seeking peaceful alternatives to war, massacre, and genocide. A good guide book for the post-Cold War era. Indexes and bibliographies. Undergraduate and graduate collections. R. H. Dekmejian University of Southern California