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International politics and family systems: Some observations on tactics

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Abstract

This paper describes many parallels between the concepts and tactics used in the arena of international politics and those used in the office of a strategic family therapist. Some of the many ideas discussed are: changing the consequences of a behavior, the “Kennedy intervention”, the use of signals, mystifying clarifications, and vague threats. The paper also suggests that the accumulated wisdom employed by statesmen in managing power struggles can be studied by clinicians to resolve conflict in couples and families more successfully.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Social Work, Adelphi University, 11530, Garden City, New York

    Richard Belson DSW (Assistant Professor, Supervisor (1980–1981)

  2. Family Therapy Institute of Washington, D.C., Washington, USA

    Richard Belson DSW (Assistant Professor, Supervisor (1980–1981)

Authors
  1. Richard Belson DSW
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Additional information

This article was originally presented as the Third Annual Distinguished Visitor's Lecture, Hunter College, School of Social Work, NY.

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Belson, R. International politics and family systems: Some observations on tactics. International Journal of Family Therapy 2, 212–229 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00929445

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00929445

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