The “Theoretical Gap” as an Element of Political Conflicts and Their Resolution

The different ways in which a situation is viewed and the differing assumptions and judgements made about it play a significant role in conflicts. External influences are also key here, with the effects of globalisation alone meaning that these include both economic processes as well as political ones. All of this can equally be applied to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “The ‘Theoretical Gap’ as a Element of Political Conflicts and their Resolution” project examines which aspects of this complex mixture of variables are capable of intensifying the problematic situation in the Middle East or leading to a resolution, exploring at the same time which elements of academic theory can play a fundamental role in understanding the architecture of such conflicts and intervening in them. 

This project heralds the start of a planned long-term cooperation between the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, which is also to include annual joint conferences and an exchange programme for post-doctoral researchers. The goal here is clearly defined: to play a part in resolving pressing matters from an academic / research-based perspective, matters whose solutions cannot just be found at the level of day-to-day political action but which also require more in-depth analysis. 

“The ‘Theoretical Gap’ as an Element of Political Conflicts and Their Resolution” is a research project forming part of a collaboration between the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt and the Department of International Relations at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The project is due to take place between October 1 2012 and October 31 2013.