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The Power of Narratives in Conflict and Peace: The Case of Contemporary Iraq

  • Moritz Ehrmann
  • , Gearoid Millar* (Corresponding Author)
  • *Corresponding author for this work
  • Austrian Study Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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Abstract

Presenting original data from interviews conducted in Iraq between 2013 and 2019, this paper charts the evolution of conflict related narratives of the ‘other’ among members of the Sunni confession immediately prior to, during, and after the rise and fall of the Islamic State (IS). It charts the evolution of these narratives through three escalatory phases (victimhood narratives, divisive narratives, and violent narratives) and three de-escalatory phases (nuanced narratives, reconciliatory narratives, and unifying narratives). It concludes with reflections on the lessons this case can provide for identifying the best moments for Conflict Resolution actors to intervene in such violent conflicts.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)588-611
Number of pages24
JournalCivil Wars
Volume23
Issue number4
Early online date20 Jan 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Feb 2022

Bibliographical note

open access via T&F agreement

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
    SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Keywords

  • Iraq
  • Islamic State
  • Ethnic Conflict
  • Reconciliation
  • Narratives
  • Otherizing

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