Psychopolitical Dimensions of International Relations: The Reciprocal Effects of Conflict Strategies

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Abstract
This essay presents a psychopolitical theory concerning the interaction effects of parties in conflict using different strategies. A typology of conflict strategies is elaborated, ranging from totalist and long-run totalist, through competitive and deterrent, to firm-but-cooperative and conciliatory. The strategies are explicated in terms of their aims, the means used, and the associated self-images, enemy perceptions, and conflict beliefs. The reciprocal interaction effects of the different strategies are then analyzed. This analysis takes into account the effects of each strategy on the adversary's self-images and enemy perceptions as well as on its tangible costs and benefits, all of which, in turn, affect its strategy. A series of hypotheses is presented concerning the mutual interaction effects for each combination of strategies, under conditions of equal and unequal power. Conclusions are then drawn concerning the effects of each strategy on different types of adversaries and upon the prospects for achieving constructive or destructive conflict outcomes.

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