Psychological Mechanisms of Existential Division
Enemies aren’t born; they’re built. This session explores how political and ideological systems turn individuals or groups into existential threats. We’ll examine the psychology behind enemy construction – from symbolic contamination and sacred values to moral dichotomies and identity projection. We’ll explore how “good vs. evil” narratives distort empathy, justify violence, and polarize communities – and how to recognize the early signs of threat inflation.
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Identify emerging “enemy” narratives and know how to respond constructively
🧠 Sacred Values Theory
🧠 Symbolic Contamination
🧠 Moral Dichotomies
☑️ Understand the emotional mechanics of enemy construction
☑️ Explore how sacred values and symbolic framing escalate conflict
☑️ Recognize signs of essentialism, projection, and threat distortion
☑️ Disrupt narratives to restore moral nuance
You notice distancing/degrading language
You need tools to address subtle but harmful shifts in rhetoric and tone
NGOs
Looking to understand how “us vs. them” narratives distort identity and undermine empathy
Conflict Mediators
Seeking tools to identify symbolic threats before they escalate into division or violence
Democracy Advocates
Wanting clearer frameworks to recognize enemy framing and restore moral nuance
Communications Teams
Needing strategies to counter polarization tactics rooted in fear and existential framing