Stern on Understanding Trauma and Seeking Peace
Jessica Stern, Research Professor at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, contributed impactful insights in an article titled “The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and the Psychology of Trauma”, which shows how therapeutic practice can help build peace.
In the article, co-authored with Bessel van der Volk, Stern explores the intricate psychology of terrorism, emphasizing the imperative for a psychologically informed response.
The article notes,
“People who live in a state of existential anxiety are prone to dehumanizing others,” highlighting the complex interplay of trauma, victimization, and the perpetuation of violence.
The article critically examines the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, drawing parallels with historical instances where disproportionate responses fueled rather than quelled terrorism. Stern advocates for a cease-fire, underscoring not just the moral but also the strategic imperative to disrupt the cycle of violence. She points out, “It is too late for Israel to pursue a limited response,” noting the profound costs of the conflict on both immediate victims and the long-term psychological impact on surviving children.
Stern astutely likens terrorist organizations to a hydra, cautioning against escalating conflicts that may inadvertently energize and expand these groups. Drawing from past instances, including the Irish Republican Army’s resurgence amid aggressive repression, Stern warns against falling into the trap of aggressive state measures, emphasizing the need for restraint and strategic responses.
Moreover, the article emphasizes the importance of nonviolent resistance, citing historical examples such as the African National Congress in South Africa. Stern argues for Palestinians to choose nonviolent protest over terrorism and for Israel to allow space for such peaceful resistance. While acknowledging the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, she advocates for a vision of a multiethnic state, urging both sides to move beyond violence towards a sustainable solution.
In the final sections, Stern explores the psychological impact of chronic terror on individuals and communities. She notes the quickened response to perceived danger and the formation of strong bonds among survivors, contributing to an “us versus them” mentality. The article concludes on a hopeful note, expressing optimism that external powers can facilitate a resolution, emphasizing the importance of empathy and the arduous process of reconciliation in breaking the intergenerational transmission of violence.
The full article can be found on Foreign Affairs website here.
Professor Jessica Stern is a Research Professor at Boston University’s Pardee School of Global Studies. She is the co-author of ISIS: The State of Terror and the author of Denial: A Memoir of Terror, Terror in the Name of God: Why Religious Militants Kill, as well as The Ultimate Terrorists. Learn more about Professor Stern on her faculty profile.