Pseudosacred values : a new approach to resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Abstract

Las tomas de decisions basadas en valores sagrados difieren de aquellas basadas en valores racionales o instrumentales en tanto que las primeras no admiten cálculos de coste oportundad. El enfoque tradicional en materia de resolución de conflictos ha tratado de (i) dejar los valores sagrados apartados de las negociaciones o (ii) canjear dichos valores por incentivos materiales. Los resultados empíricos y el análisis histórico llevan a la conclusion de que dichos métodos no solo son inefectivos sino que, además, pueden resultar contraproducentes, llevando a un mayor distanciamiento entre las partes involucradas. Este ensayo tratará de analizar la diferencia la naturaleza del conflicto, así como los componentes identitarios de ambas partes. El ensayo argumentará que la aproximación racional a las negociaciones ha sido precisamente la causa de la polarización de los actors involucrados en el conflicto, y abogará por un método de negociación basado en las concesiones simbólicas en cuanto a valores sagrados.

Decisions made on the basis of sacred values differ from those based on rational or instrumental values in that they do not allow for cost-benefit calculations. Traditional approaches to conflict resolution have attempted to either (i) leave sacred values aside from negotiations or (ii) trade sacred values for material incentives. Empirical data and historical analysis lead to the conclusion that such methods are not only ineffective in conflict resolution but may also backfire into greater breaches between the parties involved.

The first part of this essay will attempt to analyse the nature of the conflict, as well as the perceived identity of both sides to the conflict. In the following chapters, it will analyse the means through which the conflict is perpetuated and the steps to take in future negotiations. The essay will argue that the rational-based negotiation approach was precisely the cause of the current polarization of the conflict, and advocate for a negotiation method based con symbolic concessions of sacred values.