Fathali M. Moghaddam

Last updated
Fathali M. Moghaddam
Nationality Iranian
Known forResearch on social psychology, cultural psychology and psychology of conflict
Scientific career
Fields Psychology
Institutions Georgetown University
McGill University
United Nations

Fathali M. Moghaddam is an Iranian-born psychologist, author, professor of psychology at Georgetown University and director of the Interdisciplinary Program in Cognitive Science (ICOS), Department of Government, Georgetown University. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Contents

Theory and books

Moghaddam has proposed that there are two types of behavior: a first that is causally determined and a second that is normatively regulated. The mistake of traditional psychology, and social sciences more broadly, is to try to explain all behavior by applying causal models. He has attempted to demonstrate how causal and normative accounts can combine to create a more complete science of behavior. [6] Second, through concepts such as the embryonic fallacy [7] and interobjectivity, [8] Moghaddam gives priority to collective over individual processes, and argues that personal worldview and identity emerge from collective worldview and identity. This sets him apart from traditional research, which he argued is individualistic and reductionist. Third, Moghaddam has criticized traditional psychology as reflecting the international power structure, with the United States as the only superpower of psychology stamping the discipline with its individualistic, 'self help' ideology. [9] He has criticized what he claims is a 'wholesale' exportation of American psychology to the rest of the world, and argued for the need for an appropriate psychology for the non western world. [10] His concept of double reification describes the process of Western culture being exported to the modern sector of non-Western societies, then being 'discovered' by cross-cultural researchers and reported as a 'universal.' [11]

Moghaddam's work on dictatorship is featured in the TV series, "How to Become a Tyrant," which premiered on Netflix in July, 2021.

Explaining terrorism

Since 9/11, Moghaddam has applied his 'collectivist/normative' approach to explaining radicalization and terrorism in the context of accelerating fractured globalization. [12] [13] [14] His staircase model of terrorism is a concrete outcome of this approach. [15] [16] His solution to radicalization is a new policy to managing intergroup relations, based on his alternative policy of omniculturalism, [17] [18] which focused on human commonalities and rejects both assimilation and multiculturalism. [19] He has also worked to establish an empirical basis for universal human rights, [20] and to explain the rise and fall of dictatorships through his springboard model. [21] His claim is that in terms of personality characteristics, there are potential dictators in all human groups. The key is to understand the conditions that give rise to the springboard, which enables a potential dictator to spring to power.

Although Moghaddam was initially trained as an experimental researcher using the minimal group paradigm (Henri Tajfel was his PhD thesis examiner), he has also used qualitative methods, collaborating with Rom Harré on positioning theory [22] [23] and exploring the role of language in conflicts. [24] [25] His interest in diverse methods have extended to cross-disciplinary interest in psychology and literature. [26] Since 2013 he is the editor of Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology.

Since 2010 he has introduced and focused his research on two new concepts. The first is political plasticity, how fast and how much cognition and action in the political domain can change. Limits on political plasticity underlie the failure of political revolutions to create open societies and slow the pace of change toward democracy.

The second new concept is mutual radicalization, the processes through which groups and nations radicalize and push one another to extremes. Drawing from well‑established psychological principles, in his book 'Mutual Radicalization' Moghaddam presents a dynamic, cyclical three‑stage model of mutual radicalization that explains how groups gather under extremist ideologies, establish rigid norms under authoritarian leadership, and develop antagonistic worldviews that exaggerate the threats posed by each other. This process leads to intensifying aggressive actions that can even reach the point of mutual destruction. Moghaddam applies his model to 10 real‑world case studies of mutual radicalization that focus on three main areas: the conflict between Islamist radicals and extreme nationalists in the West; nations that are mired in long-standing hostilities, including North Korea and South Korea; and the increasingly toxic atmosphere in American politics. He offers practical solutions for achieving deradicalization and highlights historical successes, such as German reunification.

Psychology in Literature

In 2021, Moghaddam is expected to publish a book exploring psychology in Shakespearean plays, having published on psychology theory in literature at least once before. [27] [28]

Bibliography

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Collective action</span> Action taken together by a group of people to further a common objective

Collective action refers to action taken together by a group of people whose goal is to enhance their condition and achieve a common objective. It is a term that has formulations and theories in many areas of the social sciences including psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science and economics.

Acculturation is a process of social, psychological, and cultural change that stems from the balancing of two cultures while adapting to the prevailing culture of the society. Acculturation is a process in which an individual adopts, acquires and adjusts to a new cultural environment as a result of being placed into a new culture, or when another culture is brought to someone. Individuals of a differing culture try to incorporate themselves into the new more prevalent culture by participating in aspects of the more prevalent culture, such as their traditions, but still hold onto their original cultural values and traditions. The effects of acculturation can be seen at multiple levels in both the devotee of the prevailing culture and those who are assimilating into the culture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clark McCauley</span> American social psychologist (born 1943)

Clark Richard McCauley is an American social psychologist who is Research Professor of Psychology and co-director of the Solomon Asch Center for Study of Ethnopolitical Conflict at Bryn Mawr College.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rom Harré</span> New Zealand-British philosopher and psychologist (1927–2019)

Horace Romano "Rom" Harré was a New Zealand-British philosopher and psychologist.

Social identity is the portion of an individual's self-concept derived from perceived membership in a relevant social group.

Michael Lamport Commons is a theoretical behavioral scientist and a complex systems scientist. He developed the model of hierarchical complexity.

The Institute for International and Cross-Cultural Psychology (IICCP) at St. Francis College, New York City was founded in 1998. During its 21 years of existence it has become known for the advancement of cross-cultural psychology and international psychology. Supported by an International Advisory Board of psychologists from six countries, members of the institute have engaged in a series of research projects, edited books on a broad variety of topics in international psychology, sponsored numerous conferences, symposia and colloquia, given lectures at many conferences and institutions around the world, and introduced innovative curriculum development.

Self-categorization theory is a theory in social psychology that describes the circumstances under which a person will perceive collections of people as a group, as well as the consequences of perceiving people in group terms. Although the theory is often introduced as an explanation of psychological group formation, it is more accurately thought of as general analysis of the functioning of categorization processes in social perception and interaction that speaks to issues of individual identity as much as group phenomena. It was developed by John Turner and colleagues, and along with social identity theory it is a constituent part of the social identity approach. It was in part developed to address questions that arose in response to social identity theory about the mechanistic underpinnings of social identification.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">James S. Robbins</span> American journalist

James S. Robbins is an American commentary writer for USA Today and Senior Fellow for National Security Affairs on the American Foreign Policy Council. He is the former Senior Editorial Writer for Foreign Affairs at the Washington Times, an author, political commentator and professor, with a focus on national security and foreign and military affairs. He also served as special assistant in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Hall Gardner is a professor of International Politics at the American University of Paris. He received his BA from Colgate University and his MA and PhD from the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at the Johns Hopkins University. He primarily study the origins of war, focusing on its sources and impacts, both local and global and the ways in which such conflicts can be resolved. As a geo-strategist, his comparative historical approach combines theory and contemporary international affairs in dealing with topics such as NATO and the European Union, post-Soviet Union Russia and its effects on China and Eurasia, and the international consequences of the “war on terrorism.”

Maxwell "Max" Taylor is a criminal and legal psychologist. His early work specialised in the study of terrorism but he also became involved in the study of sex offenders, and in the development of capacity building activities for disadvantaged children in conflict zones, returning later to the study of terrorism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daniel Bar-Tal</span>

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Arie W. Kruglanski is a social psychologist known for his work on goal systems, regulatory mode, and cognitive closure. He is currently a distinguished professor of psychology at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Peace psychology is a subfield of psychology and peace research that deals with the psychological aspects of peace, conflict, violence, and war. Peace psychology can be characterized by four interconnected pillars: (1) research, (2) education, (3) practice, and (4) advocacy. The first pillar, research, is documented most extensively in this article.

The staircase model is a psychological explanation as to why, out of large numbers of disgruntled people in society, only a very small minority end up committing acts of terrorism. It was proposed in 2005 by Fathali M. Moghaddam in his paper "The Staircase to Terrorism". The model involves a metaphorical staircase, where each step is influenced by a specific psychological process. It is proposed that the higher an individual moves up the staircase, the fewer alternatives to violence they will see, ultimately resulting in the destruction of themselves, others, or both.

Intergroup relations refers to interactions between individuals in different social groups, and to interactions taking place between the groups themselves collectively. It has long been a subject of research in social psychology, political psychology, and organizational behavior.

Positioning theory is a theory in social psychology that characterizes interactions between individuals. "Position" can be defined as an alterable collection of beliefs of an individual with regards to their rights, duties, and obligations. "Positioning" is the mechanism through which roles are assigned or denied, either to oneself or others. The theory describes malleable roles and storylines that determine the boundaries of future acts and the meanings of what people say and do. The theory expands upon the work of psychologist Lev Vygotsky, especially his theory of zone of proximal development (ZPD). It emphasizes the interdependence of positions, speech and other acts, and storylines that arise from them; a change in any one aspect affects the other two. The theory provides a framework to understand a person's specific behavior by considering social, individual, and moral factors.

Thomas Fraser Pettigrew is an American social psychologist best known for his research on American civil rights, and is one of the leading experts in the social science of race and ethnic relations.

References

  1. An interview with Fathali Moghaddam
  2. "On Fathali Moghaddam". Archived from the original on 2014-02-27. Retrieved 2013-04-05.
  3. Berkley Center
  4. "psychology of dictatorship". Archived from the original on 2013-03-24. Retrieved 2013-04-05.
  5. "Conference of the International Society For Justice Research". Archived from the original on 2013-05-03. Retrieved 2013-04-05.
  6. Moghaddam, F. M. (2002). The Individual and Society. New York: Worth. Harré, R., & Moghaddam, F. M. (Eds.) (2012). Psychology for the Third Millennium: Integrating Cultural and Neuroscience Perspectives. London & Thousand Oaks, CA.: Sage. Hardcover and softcover.
  7. Moghaddam, F. M. (2013). The Psychology of Dictatorship. Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association Press.
  8. Moghaddam, F. M. (2010). "Interobjectivity, Intersubjectivity, and the Embryonic Fallacy in Developmental Science". Culture & Psychology, 16, 465–475. Sammut, G., Daanen, P., & Moghaddam, F. M. (Eds.) (2013). Understanding the Self and Others: Explorations in Intersubjectivity and Interobjectivity. New York: Routledge.
  9. Moghaddam, F. M. (1987). "Psychology in the Three Worlds: As Reflected by the 'Crisis' in Social Psychology and the Move toward Indigenous Third World Psychology". American Psychologist, 47, 912–920.
  10. Moghaddam, F. M. & Taylor, D. M. (1986). "What Constitutes an 'Appropriate' Psychology for the Developing World?" International Journal of Psychology, 21, 253–267.
  11. Moghaddam, F. M., & Lee, N. (2006). "Double Reification: The Process of Universalizing Psychology in the Three Worlds". In A. Brock (Ed.), Internationalizing the History of Psychology (pp. 163–182). New York University Press.
  12. Moghaddam, F. M. (2006). From the Terrorists' Point of View: What They Experience and Why They Come to Destroy. Westport, CT.: Praeger Security International Series.
  13. Moghaddam, F. M. (2008). How Globalization Spurs Terrorism: The Lopsided Benefits of 'One World' and Why That Fuels Violence. Westport, CT.: Praeger Security International.
  14. Moghaddam, F. M. (2010). The New Global Insecurity: How Terrorism, Environmental Collapse, Economic Inequalities, and Resource Shortages are Changing Our World. Santa Barbara, CA: Praeger Security International.
  15. Moghaddam, F. M. (2005). "The Staircase to Terrorism: A Psychological Exploration". American Psychologist, 60, 161–169.
  16. Moghaddam, F. M., Warren, Z., & Love, K. (2013). "Religion and the Staircase to Terrorism". In R. F. Paloutzian & C. Park (Eds.), Handbook of the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality. 2nd. ed. (pp. 632–648). New York: Guilford Publications.
  17. Moghaddam, F. M. (2012). "The Omnicultural Imperative". Culture & Psychology, 18, 1–27.
  18. Moghaddam, F. M., & Breckenridge, J. (2010). "Homeland Security and Support for Multiculturalism, Assimilation, and Omniculturalism Policies among Americans". Homeland Security Affairs, 4, 1–14.
  19. Moghaddam, F. M. (2008). Multiculturalism and Intergroup Relations. Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association Press.
  20. Finkel, N., & Moghaddam, F. M. (Eds.) (2005). The Psychology of Rights and Duties: Empirical Contributions and Normative Commentaries. Washington D.C.: American Psychological Association Press.
  21. Moghaddam, F. M. (2013). The Psychology of Dictatorship. Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association Press.
  22. Harré, R. & Moghaddam, F. M. (Eds.) (2003). The Self and Others: Positioning Individuals and Groups in Personal, Organizational, Political, and Cultural Contexts. Westport, CT.: Praeger.
  23. Harré, R. & Moghaddam, F. M. (Eds.) (2013). The Psychology of Friendship and Enmity: Relationships in Love, Work, Politics, and War. Santa Barbara, CA.: Preager.
  24. Moghaddam, F. M., Harré, R., & Lee, N. (Eds.) (2008). Global Conflict Resolution through Positioning Analysis. New York: Springer.
  25. Moghaddam, F. M., & Harré, R. (Eds.) (2010). Words of Conflict, Words of War: How the Language We Use in Political Processes Sparks Fighting. Santa Barbara, CA.: Praeger.
  26. Moghaddam, F. M. (2004). "From 'Psychology in Literature' to 'Psychology is Literature': An Exploration of Boundaries and Relationships". Theory & Psychology, 14, 505–525.
  27. Moghaddam, F.M. (2004) From 'Psychology in Literature' to 'Psychology is Literature': An Exploration of Boundaries and Relationships. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0959354304044922
  28. "Georgetown President interviews Dr. Fathali Moghaddam"