Demonization in international politics: the case of Israel-Palestine

Thesis

This thesis analyses demonisation as a phenomenon in international politics. Introducing the notion of a so-called ‘politics of demonisation’, it argues that while the origins of demonisation are religious (a literal belief in satanic possession), the reasons for its continued presence in international relations are fundamentally political. Drawing upon illustrative examples from historical as well as modern conflicts, the thesis identifies two domains where demonisation might come to inform political practice, when ‘waging war’ and ‘waging peace’. It identifies four objectives why leaders may demonise their enemies in conflict, including (1) unity through fear, (2) legitimacy through protection, (3) self-righteousness and moral heroism, and (4) political and military mobilisation. When it comes to peace efforts, the thesis suggest that there are three dimensions of so-called ‘demonisation deadlock’ that may come to impede successful progress as there are certain moral and pragmatic challenges that emerge when framing negotiations as ‘shaking hands with the devil’. The conflict in Israel-Palestine is the thesis’ central case study where mutual demonisation and diplomatic deadlock have been characteristic features for over six decades. While there are many contributing factors to the complex process of war and peace making, this thesis focuses on one particular psychological dimension of the conflict. Emphasis is placed on how the demonisation is one relational barrier among many other factors that have stalled progress in the peace talks.

Authors: Normand, L

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-nyxg2pg87
• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: enemy images; international relations; conflict; demonization; Israeli-Palestinian conflict; constructivism