Why this conference?
Although at the base of most conflicts, ‘hatred’ as an emotion and as a motive does not get much attention in the international socio-political debate. Think about for instance ethnic cleansing, terrorist attacks, civil wars, racial incidents, mass murder, arson and religious twists. Also, the amount of research into the subject is relatively small.
For that reason a number of promoters decided to organize a conference in cooperation with Cogis so as to focus attention to the subject.
By linking mechanisms that induce hatred to political and social conflicts we hope to find answers to such questions as:
- What is hatred?
- How does it influence individual or group behaviour?
- Is it possible to be reduced or prevented?
Target group
The conference targets opinion leaders and key figures in Dutch society, such as politicians, journalists, representatives of foreign aid organizations, churches and mosques, schools, human rights organizations, labour unions.
It also targets civil servants, researchers and scientists such associologists, historians, psychologists, political scientists and lawyers.