How Might Psychological Perspectives Be Applied To The Study Of War Crimes?

Psychology War Crimes

How Might Psychological Perspectives Be Applied To The Study Of War Crimes?

Introduction

I believe that psychological perspectives can be applied to the study of war crimes because war is the creation of human minds. Studies of genocide and other wartime atrocities have converged to define a set of psychological constructs that make these acts possible. The key element is the dehumanization of the target group. Alvarez (2001) mentions this can occur through manipulation of existing prejudices or appeals based on aggravated racial, religious, or nationalist fanaticism. It is crucial to note that the level of perceived hatred in the period immediately prior to the atrocities does not have to be great. The intermarriage rate in urban areas of Bosnia, for example, far exceeded black and white intermarriage rates in the United States. Dehumanization is especially dangerous when it occurs in the context of economic and social instability and when a charismatic leader exploits the resulting fears and instabilities (Alvarez, 2001). If future atrocities are to be prevented, and not simply reacted to, instances of hate speech and other dehumanizing tactics must be monitored, identified, and countered as they occur.

Discussion

Atrocity is the reflection of warrior psychology. Scholars agree that human nature is warrior and begins from human minds.

The individual psychology of atrocity is less well understood. Why some people commit or tolerate the commission of atrocities while others resist, even at great personal risk, is not known. Much also remains to be learned about the effects of atrocities on their victims (Power, 2002). The full range of emotional and psychological damage inflicted on victims and their survivors is only beginning to be recognized, and the proper treatment of victims of atrocities is an important emerging area of concern.

A variety of techniques that seek to influence the emotions, attitudes, and behavior of selected audiences in support of political and military objectives. Psychological warfare, also known as psychological operations (PSYOPS), usually connotes nonlethal attempts to gain advantage over the enemy. Techniques include dropping leaflets, airing radio and television broadcasts, and using loudspeakers. Psychological warfare may be conducted independently or as a force multiplier that compounds the effects of conventional military actions.

PSYOPS campaigns can be specifically tailored according to the target audience. Operations against enemy soldiers, sometimes called battlefield PSYOPS, seek to lower morale and encourage surrender. Psychological warriors often use threatening leaflets to scare the enemy in advance of an attack, often combined with other messages that offer incentives for defection. Consolidation PSYOPS have a different audience—noncombatants (Power, 2002). Civilians play an important role in war; they work in factories that produce weapons and equipment, they provide support to enemy political leadership, and they offer refuge to enemy fighters. Consolidation operations seek to reduce that support and encourage civilians to accept defeat after fighting has ended. Finally, PSYOPS are used to try to retain the support of allies and sympathizers.

In addition to the benefits PSYOPS can yield on the battlefield, ...