| This dissertation explores whether and how the bounding practices of Israeli and Palestinian groups working nonviolently towards a "just and lasting peace" (even in times of armed conflict) shape 'group' and 'individual' identities that differ from 'official' zero-sum Self-Other narratives. The dissertation extends previous work on peace and conflict resolution groups in Israel/Palestine by looking at (a) groups that continued their work (or were created anew) after the collapse of the Oslo Peace Process; (b) groups engaged in on-going nonviolent social change (including direct action) and not merely dialogue and coexistence programming; (c) the dynamic multi-dimensionality of the conflict through an approach that examines how social, political, and territorial boundaries are established, challenged, and maintained through words and deeds, and (d) relational theory as a means to bridge the gaps between International Relations, Geopolitical, and Peace and Conflict Resolution approaches to this subject.; Based in over 80 formal interviews, dozens of informal interviews, and nine months of participant observation of group meetings and activities conducted during 2004-2005, the dissertation inventories the 'contested terrain' of articulations of peace and identity in the Israeli-Palestinian context. The results include a documentation of bounding mechanisms used by the groups and individuals studied and stories showing how non-zero sum identities are framed by those working for peace, and how 'peace-building' works in practice. |
