‘History in conflict: Israeli–Palestinian speeches at the United Nations, 1998–2016’

Ethos of Conflict in the International Arena: Power Predicts Expression of Threat for Security and Hope for Peace in Speeches of Leaders of Nations in Conflict

“…Despite the rich literature on the EOC, most studies examined adherence to ethos beliefs at the societal level, not among national leadership. The few studies which examined ethos adherence on the leadership level were qualitative (Kaufman, 2009; Oren, 2019; Pressman, 2020; Rosler et al, 2020). However instructive, the existing qualitative research did not focus on the effect relative power has on the strength of adherence to specific societal beliefs (Hakim et al, 2023).…”

“…Past studies have shown that conflicting parties express their beliefs of security and peace when addressing the international community (Kaufman, 2009; Oren, 2019; Pressman, 2020). However, a question remains regarding the connection between the relative power each party holds and the extent these beliefs are voiced.…”

“…In her study of the Israeli EOC, Oren (2019) pointed out that Israel's Ethos tells a story of a nation that is under existential threat, and it stresses the need to achieve security. In Pressman's (2020) study of Israeli and Palestinian UN speeches, the author showed that existential insecurity is one of the most reiterated themes in Israeli addresses. Adherence to beliefs about security is also salient in Israeli public opinion.…”

“…Societal beliefs about security are also salient in the Palestinian EOC. Palestinians' concern for their future security are rooted in their daily experiences living under Israeli occupation and their belief that Israel wishes to transfer them out of their land (Pressman, 2020; Shaked, 2016). In a survey from 2020, 81% of the Palestinians stated they are worried about the future of the Palestinian people, with 58% being concerned about being hurt by Israelis, their land confiscated, their houses demolished, or even about being expelled (Palestinian‐Israeli Pulse: A Joint Poll, 2020).…”

“…Research on the expression of EOC beliefs by leaders and political elites is unfortunately scant. Studies that did examine the expression of societal belief by elites (Kaufman, 2009; Oren, 2019; Pressman, 2020) did not utilize the prism of power disparities in the theoretical framework and analyses. The present study fills this gap by looking at the magnitude of expression of societal belief while considering power asymmetry.…”