Large-group identity, international relations and psychoanalysis

Birth of a nation‐state: A battle for boundaries or dialogue?

“…In reflecting on Lebanon's civil war, I build on Vamik Volkan's insights on the psychology of large‐group identity; on large‐group psychological borders, narcissism, regression, and destructive processes; and on the impact of the transgenerational transmission of trauma, the reactivation of chosen traumas and glories, and time collapse on national and international relations (, , , ). I propose extending his work by using group and family psychoanalytic theories to formulate hypotheses on the psychic functioning of nations as a very “large family group.”…”

Commentary on “Toward Understanding and Treating Violence in America: Some Contributions From Group Dynamic and Group Therapy Perspectives”

“…In our schools and in various societal groups we scapegoat those more vulnerable, a contribution to bullying and cyber-bullying. We feel justified in taking violent military action because of our "chosen trauma" (Volkan, 2009), the events of 9/11. (A chosen trauma is the shared mental representation of an event in the history of a large group wherein the group suffered a catastrophic loss, humiliation, and sense of helplessness at the hands of its enemies.).…”

“…Rice (2015) emphasizes how well psychotherapy groups can provide safe containers where words rather than actions can be encouraged and reflection promoted. One is reminded of a statement by Volkan (2009) that if people talk, they do not kill. Phillips (2015) also advocates the use of groups to provide safe containment following violence, as an antidote to willful and chosen silence, as differentiated from dissociation.…”

“…The internal potential space of paradox and creativity collapses when we are fearful, stressed, or anxious or our survival is threatened. Volkan (2009) says that we have an unconscious need for enemies, perhaps a manifestation of a tool waiting in the wings available at all times to manage threat and narcissistic injury and resulting in the ebb and flow of potential space. Gutmann and Millat (2013) state that there is inevitably some trauma, real or mythical, in the history of any institution.…”

Containing tensions: Psychoanalysis and modern policymaking

“…But other public enquiry processes default to accusation and blame and a familiar litany of mindless recommendations. Psychoanalytic practitioners have created and deployed more 'containing' methodologies of conflict resolution to great effect in Northern Ireland and on the international stage (Alderdice 2010, Volkan 2008. Their practices resonate with the work of Truth and Reconciliation Commissions established in many post-conflict situations.…”