With war in mind: A dialogical analysis of the mindset underlying Blair's case for war with Iraq in 2003

Abstract

Dialogical Analysis, a tool from Cognitive Analytic Therapy, is used to discover how the mindset of war silences dialogue. The savage costs of war were hidden whilst the United Kingdom government expected to attract the admiration of a grateful world. This article looks at an example of this mindset expressed through Tony Blair MP's speech to the House of Commons on 18 March 2003. The speech aimed at convincing parliament that war was inevitable, necessary and the only obvious choice. It offered an extremely narrow presentation of options available to the government, in which ‘staying firm’ was coupled with the case for war whilst alternative, peaceful methods of conflict resolution were identified as ‘weak and feeble’ and viewed as encouraging terrorists.

Keywords:

• Cognitive Analytic Therapy
• Dialogical Analysis
• Iraq
• Mind-set of war
• Tony Blair MP

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Steve Potter

Steve Potter is a psychodynamic psychotherapist and practitioner, supervisor and trainer in Cognitive Analytic Therapy. He is interested in the contribution of psychotherapy to conflict resolution and mediation between groups and within organisations. He is Director of a university counselling service and is concerned with the application of psychotherapy to mental health and the psychology of achievement in higher education.

Julie Lloyd

Julie Lloyd is a clinical psychologist working in a National Health Service community team for people with learning disabilities. She has a long-standing interest in using psychological perspectives and dialogue in peace movement activities.