Demonization in War and Peace

Abstract

Exploring the role of demonization in the context of “waging war” and “waging peace”, Normand asks why the phenomenon continues to appear in modern political discourse. The chapter introduces the notion of a so-called ‘politics of demonization’ and suggests that demonizing one’s enemy many serve four politically expedient functions in that it can (1) promote unity (2) enhance legitimacy (3) reinforce self-righteousness and moral heroism and (4) secure military and political mobilization. In the context of “waging peace”, Normand addresses some of the moral and pragmatic challenges that emerge when framing peace-efforts with the enemy as “shaking hands with the devil’. The chapter concludes by presenting the three dimensions of “demonization deadlock” to help explain how demonization may further complicate negotiation efforts.