Mutual Influence of Moral Values, Mental Models and Social Dynamics on Intergroup Conflict

Abstract

A critical contribution of social science to improving national security prospects for the United States is to understand the behavioral mechanics and mental processing of inter-group hostility so as to influence and impede emerging conflicts before military or law enforcement means are required. We aim in this proposal to investigate the spread and influence of different cultural values and belief systems on developments within and between social networks. We will also explore the development and influence of social networks on the distribution and maintenance of antagonistic values and belief systems, and on the potential for transformation to values and beliefs that are less antagonistic. We will look at four test cases of inter-group conflict where we have already carried out pilot studies: in the Middle East, India, and in Central and South America.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 16, 2010
Accession Number
ADA523370

Entities

People

  • Douglas Medin
  • Jeremy Ginges
  • Juan Zarate
  • Richard A. Davis
  • Robert Axelrod
  • Scott Atran

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agreements
  • Antiterrorism
  • Contracts
  • Dynamics
  • Experimental Design
  • Group Dynamics
  • Guatemala
  • Institutional Review Board
  • Middle East
  • National Security
  • Scientific Research
  • Security
  • Social Networks
  • Social Sciences
  • Sociology
  • United States
  • Violence

Readers

  • International Relations, focusing on Korea-Africa and North Korea-South Korea relations, and Nigeria-Latin American Relations.
  • Organizational Psychology.
  • Systems Analysis and Design