Disloyal, Deluded, Dangerous: How Supporters of Violence or Separatism Discredit Their Political Opponents

Finlay, W. M. L. (2018) Disloyal, Deluded, Dangerous: How Supporters of Violence or Separatism Discredit Their Political Opponents. In: Discourse, Peace, and Conflict: Discursive Psychology Perspectives. Peace Psychology Book Series . Springer, Cham, pp. 83-98. ISBN 978-3-319-99094-1

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Abstract

Where there is conflict between groups, members argue with each other over the correct course of action. While some advocate increased violence or separation between the groups, others argue for peace, tolerance, or interdependence. Advocates of violence or separation engage in discursive strategies to discredit these ingroup opponents, in which they claim to represent the true interests and spirit of the group while their opponents are dismissed are selfish, disloyal, subservient, weak, or ignorant. Methods of discrediting opponents act as a form of social pressure, defining a set of social norms, punishing dissenters, and warning others against publicly adopting opposing positions. This chapter examines the discursive practices used to discredit opponents in a range of current and historical conflict situations. A distinction will be drawn between ‘mild’ and ‘strong’ discrediting practices.

Item Type:	Book Chapter
Keywords:	Discourse, Peace, Conflict, Discrediting, Discursive psychology, Identity, Intergroup conflict, Peace psychology
Faculty:	ARCHIVED Faculty of Science & Technology (until September 2018)
Depositing User:	Dr W.M.L. Finlay
Date Deposited:	29 Jan 2019 11:33
Last Modified:	21 Apr 2022 14:47
URI:	https://arro.anglia.ac.uk/id/eprint/704068

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