MVZb2026 The Politics of Enmity: Theory and Practice

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2021
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Taught online.
Teacher(s)
Maya Higgins, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
PhDr. Petr Suchý, Ph.D.
Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Olga Cídlová, DiS.
Supplier department: Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Wed 12:00–13:40 bude_upresneno
Prerequisites
Proficiency in English to an academic standard.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 60 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 2/60, only registered: 0/60
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 18 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives
Course Description and Requirements Enmity, alongside its synonyms (hostility, animosity, animus) indicate deep-seated dislike or ill will. Derived from an Anglo-French word meaning "enemy", enmity suggests genuine hatred, either overt or concealed. Hostility implies the existence of enmity that manifests itself in aggression (attacks, wars, etc.). This course will focus on the way enmity is created and sustained, alongside its manifestations in various 'real-life' conflicts in International relations. The study of conflicts (aka 'Peace and Conflict Studies') necessitates interdisciplinarism. In order to provide an empirically grounded perspective on intra/intergroup conflicts, much of the foundational study (and practice) pertaining to conflicts in IR draws on Social Psychology. Moreover, the analysis of visual and other representations (the description or portrayal of someone or something in a particular way) is central to anthropology, sociology and cultural studies. Such representations are cultural productions derived from ideologies, values and beliefs of the culture that produced and consumes them. Since representations are produced within a political environment, where the issues of class, gender, power and social order are present, the analysis of enmity is highly entwined with both politics and social psychology. By focusing on the way enmity is created and sustained, alongside the portrayal of the adversary (‘Enemy Image’), this interdisciplinary course will explore the intersection of political psychology, politics and international relations when conflicts are concerned. This course is designed as a curated overview of this intersection and is composed of two parts: We will dedicate the first part of the semester to the study of relevant theory, that will be utilized in the second part of the semester when we dwell into the exploration of specific case studies. In the first part of the course, we will define, explore and discuss relevant concepts and theories (in-group and out-group, Enemy Image, Imagined Communities, Social Categorization, social thinking, social influence, scapegoating, dehumanization, stereotyping, etc.). In the second part of the course, we will discuss enmity in specific political conflicts, spanning over time (past and present) and geographical locations (Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East). Such conflicts include the Second World War, the Cold War, the Northern Ireland Conflict ('the troubles'), the Winter War and the Israeli Palestinian conflict. In order to stay true to the nature of the field, this course is designed to be interdisciplinary. As such, the mandatory reading is deliberately eclectic, employing a wide array of research traditions, and a diverse set of methodologies.
Learning outcomes
Learning Outcomes Upon completion of the seminar, students will exhibit a broad and deep understanding of: The social and political environments in which conflicts materialize and are sustained. The role of enmity in cultivating conflict and its contribution to the conflict’s intractability, both generally and in specific test-cases. The way individual and cultural differences can affect conflict dynamics and the potential for conflict management. Theoretical, empirical, and practical connections across disciplines. In addition, students will improve their ability to: Apply theory to specific test cases and discuss the challenges of conflict at multiple levels. Notice one’s own personal attitudes toward, assumptions about, and responses to ‘the enemy’ (real or imagined) and reflect how this can affect conflicts and conflict resolution.
Syllabus
  • Please see the interactive syllabus.
Teaching methods
Lectures
Assessment methods
1. Mandatory Readings Students are required to read the assigned literature for each session. Lectures and literature must not fully overlap. Further reading is optional and meant to broaden students’ horizons. 2. Midterm Quiz One short quiz will take place upon completion of the theoretic part of the seminar. The quiz will be based on the mandatory reading and sessions 1-5. The quiz will be held on week 6 (07.04.2021), at regular class time, and administered via the IS. Please mind that you can NOT retake the quiz. Postponement of the quiz is only optional in exceptional cases and when discussed in advance with the lecturer. 3. Final Exam Based on all lectures and mandatory literature, a final exam will be held at the end of the semester. Exact dates will be published towards the end of the semester. Grading Requirements are awarded the following points: Midterm quiz (30 points), Final Exam (70 points). The final (numeric) grade will be converted according to the following scale: 100-95 points = A ; 94-88 points = B ; 87-77 points = C ; 76-68 points = D ; 67-60 points = E ; <60 points = F = failed.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
Listed among pre-requisites of other courses
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