About the book
The International Self explores an age-old question in international affairs, one that has been particularly pressing in the context of the contemporary Middle East: what leads long-standing adversaries to seek peace? Mira M. Sucharov employs a socio-psychoanalytic model to argue that collective identity ultimately shapes foreign policy and policy change. Specifically, she shows that all states possess a distinctive role-identity that tends to shape behavior in the international realm. When policy deviates too greatly from the established role-identity, the population experiences cognitive dissonance and expresses this through counternarratives—an unconscious representation of what the polity collectively fears in itself—propelling political elites to realign the state's policy with its identity. Focusing on Israel's decision to embark on negotiations leading to the 1993 agreement with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), Sucharov sees this policy reversal as a reaction to the unease generated by two events in the 1980s—the war in Lebanon and the first Palestinian Intifada—that contradicted Israelis' perceptions of their state as a \"defensive warrior.\" Her argument bridges the fields of conflict resolution, Middle East studies, and international relations.
Editions of The International Self
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780791465059
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780791465066
- PDF
- ISBN 9780791483060
Read an Excerpt
The International Self explores an age-old question in international affairs, one that has been particularly pressing in the context of the contemporary Middle East: what leads long-standing adversaries to seek peace? Mira M. Sucharov employs a socio-psychoanalytic model to argue that collective identity ultimately shapes foreign policy and policy change. Specifically, she shows that all states possess a distinctive role-identity that tends to shape behavior in the international realm. When policy deviates too greatly from the established role-identity, the population experiences cognitive dissonance and expresses this through counternarratives—an unconscious representation of what the polity collectively fears in itself—propelling political elites to realign the state's policy with its identity. Focusing on Israel's decision to embark on negotiations leading to the 1993 agreement with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), Sucharov sees this policy reversal as a reaction to the unease generated by two events in the 1980s—the war in Lebanon and the first Palestinian Intifada—that contradicted Israelis' perceptions of their state as a \"defensive warrior.\" Her argument bridges the fields of conflict resolution, Middle East studies, and international relations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The International Self about?
The International Self explores an age-old question in international affairs, one that has been particularly pressing in the context of the contemporary Middle East: what leads long-standing adversaries to seek peace? Mira M. Sucharov employs a socio-psychoanalytic model to argue that collective identity ultimately shapes foreign policy and policy change. Specifically, she shows that all states possess a distinctive role-identity that tends to shape behavior in the international realm. When policy deviates too greatly from the established role-identity, the population experiences cognitive dissonance and expresses this through counternarratives—an unconscious representation of what the polity collectively fears in itself—propelling political elites to realign the state's policy with its identity. Focusing on Israel's decision to embark on negotiations leading to the 1993 agreement with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), Sucharov sees this policy reversal as a reaction to the unease generated by two events in the 1980s—the war in Lebanon and the first Palestinian Intifada—that contradicted Israelis' perceptions of their state as a \"defensive warrior.\" Her argument bridges the fields of conflict resolution, Middle East studies, and international relations.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The International Self?
Society and Social Sciences > Warfare and defence
Where can I read a sample of The International Self?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780791465059
How long is The International Self and how many pages does it have?
The International Self has 244 page(s)
Is The International Self part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series SUNY series in Israeli Studies
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The International Self?
Mira M. Sucharov
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The International Self is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780791465059) and paperback(ISBN 9780791465066) and pdf(ISBN 9780791483060)
Where can I buy The International Self online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The International Self from below
Where can I buy The International Self?