Sunday, January 27, 2002
hBook delves intonationalist conflicts
Joshua Searle-White, who teaches in the psychology department at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa., recently published a book on the psychological dimension of nationalism. "The Psychology of Nationalism" (Palgrave, $45.00) answers questions many American have about why nationalist and religious conflicts can become so violent.
Searle-White explains that the problems often stem from humans need to feel just and be part of a cause. He states, "Nationalism helps people find a sense of righteousness and meaning, and unless that need is satisfied in some other way, people will find conflict to be preferable to peace."
"The Psychology of Nationalism" includes extensive psychological research as well as interviews with nationalists and refugees in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Sri Lanka.