Thinking of Us and Them, Enemies and Heroes

Abstract

Abstract Chapter 4 examines the mental processes that it is thought are necessary in order to construct the idea of an enemy and which might justify the use of armed conflict against it. Areas of psychological theory and research covered include enemy images, processes of dehumanizing and demonizing members of potential enemy groups, and mental mechanisms that over-simplify, bias, or distort reality in ways that support the justification of war. Social identity theory and interpersonal contact theory are examined in some detail. The importance of perceived threat is discussed. The chapter concludes by considering the spiral conflict model and its implications for how cognitions and feelings about the enemy escalate as conflict develops.