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The Emergence of a Shared Identity

Author

Listed:
  • David Rousseau

    (Department of Political Science, University at Albany (SUNY))

  • A. Maurits van der Veen

    (Department of International Affairs, University of Georgia)

Abstract

Liberal theorists and, more recently, constructivists have argued that a shared sense of identity will decrease threat perception and increase international cooperation. But what processes lead to the emergence (or collapse) of a shared sense of identity? Drawing on individual-level experiments of identity change and societal-level theories of idea diffusion from the constructivist literature, the authors develop an agent-based computer simulation of identity change. Four findings emerge from the analysis: (1) there is a curvilinear relationship between the complexity of agents'views and the emergence of shared identity, (2) highly unstable environments encourage the emergence of a shared identity, (3) the presence of leaders (i.e., agents with greater influence in the population) in the neighborhood decreases shared identity, and (4) the interaction of complexity, stability, and leadership produces extremely polarized societies.

Suggested Citation

  • David Rousseau & A. Maurits van der Veen, 2005. "The Emergence of a Shared Identity," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 49(5), pages 686-712, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:49:y:2005:i:5:p:686-712
    DOI: 10.1177/0022002705279336
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ian Lustick, 2000. "Agent-Based Modelling of Collective Identity: Testing Constructivist Theory," Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, vol. 3(1), pages 1-1.
    2. Lustick, Ian S. & Miodownik, Dan & Eidelson, Roy J., 2004. "Secessionism in Multicultural States: Does Sharing Power Prevent or Encourage It?," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 98(2), pages 209-229, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hassani Mahmooei, Behrooz & Parris, Brett, 2012. "Why might climate change not cause conflict? an agent-based computational response," MPRA Paper 44918, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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