Journal of Peace Research Book Review on 'Killing in the Name of Identity: A Study of Bloody Conflicts' by V. Volkan

Review: Volkan, Vamik. 2006. Killing in the Name of Identity: A Study of Bloody Conflicts.] This book addresses one of the key challenges in the field of peace and conflict studies: identity-based conflicts. By studying the links between massive trauma, political ideologies, and new tragedies, Volkan provides the reader with a new vision and strategies for peaceful solutions to some of the most intractable conflicts. He is pessimistic about the prospects of achieving a peaceful world, not only because of humans’ innate aggression (highlighted earlier by Freud), but also because of the psychology of large groups that share a common identity and the psychological need to find common allies and enemies.