BEYOND CONFLICT

Polarization has always been a feature of American politics but is now entering a new and dangerous phase not seen for generations. Emerging evidence shows that increasingly, polarization in the US may be more accurately understood as a social identity issue, similar to the way Sunnis and Shias or Israelis and Palestinians perceive one another — in other words, as enemy tribes that represent threat, where the other side’s political gain is seen as a major risk to your identity and value system. Simultaneously, Republicans and Democrats have become more geographically segregated and clustered, sorting themselves into like-minded communities and like-minded information bubbles.

The Syrian refugee crisis is a defining conflict of this generation, and the mental health toll has been catastrophic. The Beyond Conflict Innovation Lab has been working on a new handbook called The Field Guide for Barefoot Psychologists which captures and reframes the current science of chronic stress, psychological trauma, grief and loss, shame, and hopelessness in an accessible and user-friendly handbook for refugees and those working with them.

As the United States undergoes major demographical, cultural, and generational change, the old forces of racism and exclusion are resurgent. Hate crimes are on the rise nationwide, according to the FBI, and hate speech towards Muslims and immigrants is increasing. At the same time, systemic racism is being made visible by a new generation of activists, creating an urgent opportunity for action. But this moment of opportunity has to be matched with evidence and experience. What works best in promoting greater inclusion in our cities and communities?