Winning the war on terror: psychology as a strategic framework

Abstract

International relations is fundamentally about people. Psychology provides a wide range of tools to understand the rise of Islamic fundamentalist terrorism and offers part of the framework for its resolution. Western societies need to avoid being consumed with fear, revenge or anger which might lead to polarisation and perpetuate the cycle of violence. Understanding the enemy and the virulence of their ideas is essential to winning the hearts and minds of their potential supporters through dialogue, public diplomacy and foreign policy. The West needs to build trust, relationships, reputation and address double standards in its behaviour in order to build a global coalition of people with shared values. The concept of ‘war on terror’ has been damaging, not least by inhibiting western societies from the self-reflection required to overcome the challenge of terrorism.

Keywords:

• al-Qaida
• Fundamentalism
• International relations
• Psychology
• Terrorism
• War on terror