Social Identity and Conflict (PDF)

Karina V. Korostelina is Director of the Program on History, Memory and Conflict at the School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, George Mason University, USA.

"This book is a broad, interdisciplinary synthesis that addresses the question of identity as a cultural and psychological concept. Korostelina is a creative and perceptive - as well as systematic - analyst of identity and ethnic, national, and international conflict. Her work is cutting edge for this topic so crucial in the post-cold war."

- James Peacock, Co-Director, Rotary Peace and Conflict Center, Duke-UNC

"Korostelina's Social Identity and Conflict is unique in several ways. First, it is a virtual encyclopedia of the literature on large group identity, with original contributions of her own. Also, it applies conflict analysis theory and provides concrete examplesof Korostelina's successful conflict resolution work with adversarial ethnic groups. I especially appreciate the way the author respectfully and effectively employs psycho-dynamic insights, a rare gift among social scientists."

- Joseph V. Montville, Chair, Center for World Religions, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution, George Mason University

"Most of our wars today are identity wars in which ethnicity, religion, or cultural identity have become the markers for difference and violence. Korostelina's book is a significant and opportune work for those of us who want to understand why group and individual identity can become such a strong motivator in conflict situations, and who also need to comprehend the policy and practice implications of identity salience - and its possible transformation - in conflicted societies."

- Mari Fitzduff, Professor of Politics, Director of the Master's Program in Intercommunal Coexistence, Brandeis University