The article deals with mechanisms for how formal and relatively superficial forms of recognition in peace processes may open up for conflict transformation and thicker forms of recognition. These processes can, at best, result in more constructive and more long-lasting relationships between the parties to the conflict. However, during certain circumstances, there is a risk of reversed dynamics, where groups in the conflict instead feel threatened by the new stories that are set in motion by the thicker forms of recognition of the other conflict party. The latter dynamic is in focus for the article, specifically discussed in relation to internal and relational ontological security. The article’s empirical focus in on how recognition of Palestinian history has been received in Israel and the relational ruptures, internally in Israel as well as between conflict parties, that these recognition processes have evoked. The article clearly shows how national identity can be perceived as threatened when other identities are recognized, which contributes to a deeper understanding of how important it is to develop knowledge about historical dialogues related to peace processes and how these in turn may spur backlash in relations through the evocation of internal as well as relational ontological insecurity.
Recognition in Israeli-Palestinian Relations
Together with Yoav Kapshuk (Kinneret College on the Sea of Galile), CMES scholar Lisa Strömbom has authored the article "Tracing Responses to Recognition in the Oslo Peace Process and its Aftermath - the Interlinkage between Relational and Internal Ontological Security" in the journal Conflict Resolution Quarterly (open access).