On Terrorism and the Politics of Compulsion |
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Authors: | Robert Kowalski |
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Institution: | Centre for International Development and Training, the University of Wolverhampton , United Kingdom |
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Abstract: | The concept of “terrorism” is problematized and argued to be at one end of a continuum of behavior that can be characterized as “compulsion.” This approach to conflict is explained in terms of Transactional Analysis and the inadequacy of compulsion as a means of managing human affairs (politics) is explored in relation to the use of power that it requires, and to the responses it generates. An alternative behavior, based on “turning the other cheek” and Satyagraha (confronting), is advocated in the expectation that it will prove more fruitful in managing conflict and reducing terrorist outrages. |
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Keywords: | Bateson compulsion conflict confronting TA terrorism |
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