Internet, conflict and dialogue: the Israeli case

Abstract

This article reviews studies evaluating Internet-based planned encounters between Israeli Jews and Palestinians and between Jews and Arabs in Israel. It goes on to explain the contradictory outcomes of these encounters concerning the potential of the Internet to serve as a learning ground for social and political understanding. Various aspects of these encounters, and the unique features of the medium in which they were conducted, are examined. These factors provide a framework for studying the potential of the Internet to promote positive inter-group contact.

Keywords:

• conflict resolution
• Internet-based encounters
• Israeli–Palestinian conflict
• national divide in Israel
• models of planned encounters between Israeli Jews and Palestinians

Acknowledgements

I wish to thank Professor Gideon Doron, Dr. Azi Lev-On and Israel Affairs for the invitation to write this article. I also wish to thank all the researchers who contributed their work for the purpose of writing the article, particularly Professor Ifat Maoz and Professor Joseph Walther.

Notes

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