Advisor(s)

Amílcar A. Barreto

Contributor(s)

Glenn Pierce, Denis Sullivan

Date of Award

2012

Date Accepted

3-2012

Degree Grantor

Northeastern University

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department or Academic Unit

College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Department of Political Science

Keywords

political science, Middle Eastern studies, social psychology, conflict, fear, Israel, Palestine, public opinion, threat

Disciplines

International Relations | Political Science

Abstract

This research examines the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from a new conceptual perspective that incorporates the psychology of threat into the study of inter-group conflict. The specific objective of the proposed work is to develop a better understanding of how inter-group perceptions of threat may affect the decision-making of citizens and political leaders, and may ultimately affect progress in peace negotiations. The study utilizes data on Israelis and Palestinians over the period 1994 through 2011, drawing on public opinion polls, conflict related casualties, and major historical events in order to assess factors affecting public opinion. The research specifically examines the impact of perceived threat on: changes in Palestinian public opinion regarding support for punitive military actions against Israel, optimism about the future, and support for the peace process; and changes in Israeli public opinion regarding support for peace (negotiations/agreements). It is hypothesized that perceived threat pushes both Israelis and Palestinians toward more extreme positions regarding the peace process. This study also examines the impact of perceived threat on support for negotiation versus confrontation-oriented leaders.

Document Type

Dissertation

Rights Information

copyright 2012

Rights Holder

Sheila Deborah Kohanteb


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