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Social identification processes, group dynamics and the behaviour of combatants

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 October 2008

Emanuele Castano
Affiliation:
Emanuele Castano is Professor at the New School for Social Research, New York; Bernhard Leidner and Patrycja Slawuta are graduate students at the same institution.
Bernhard Leidner
Affiliation:
Emanuele Castano is Professor at the New School for Social Research, New York; Bernhard Leidner and Patrycja Slawuta are graduate students at the same institution.
Patrycja Slawuta
Affiliation:
Emanuele Castano is Professor at the New School for Social Research, New York; Bernhard Leidner and Patrycja Slawuta are graduate students at the same institution.

Abstract

In this contribution, respect for international humanitarian law among combatants is considered from a social psychological perspective. According to this perspective, the social identities derived by individuals from their membership of social groups provide norms and values used by the individual to interpret events, form opinions and decide upon a course of action. We argue that group identities are particularly salient in combat situations, and that they have a profound influence on combatants' decisions to respect or violate international humanitarian law.

Type
Sanctions
Copyright
Copyright © International Committee of the Red Cross 2008

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