Words of Conflict, Words of War: How the Language We Use in Political Processes Sparks Fighting

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This highly insightful and cohesive group of studies reveals the power of political narratives to create conflict and peace. Words of Conflict, Words of War: How the Language We Use in Political Processes Sparks Fighting is a fascinating exploration of the narratives leaders use to position both themselves and others in the course of political processes that lead to peace or conflict. Drawing on the relatively new field of "positioning theory," expert essays provide insights into the ways words position usfor better or worseand influence our intended results. The focus on narratives, from the interpersonal to the international, leads to a better understanding of political processes and conflict resolution. Part one of the study deals with micropolitics and personal positioning. Part two explores positioning by political parties and factions. Links between micro and macro are illustrated by leadership studies of individuals such as President Barak Obama, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President George W. Bush, Governor Sarah Palin, and the Reverend Ian Paisley. The focus throughout is on how a leader can use language to redirect collective politics in support of conflict or of peace.

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Recommended for libraries supporting coursework in social psychology or rhetoric. * Catholic Library World *

Author Bio

Fathali M. Moghaddam is professor in the Department of Psychology and director of the Conflict Resolution Program, Department of Government, at Georgetown University, Washington, DC. His published works include Praeger's The New Global Insecurity: How Terrorism, Environmental Collapse, Economic Inequalities, and Resource Shortages are Changing Our World. Rom Harr is a fellow of Linacre College, Oxford University, and distinguished research professor, Georgetown University, Washington, DC.