The Divan Orchestra: Mutual Middle-Range Transformation

Abstract

Classical realism does not focus upon a leader’s motivations or perceptions. These are seen as secondary variables. According to Morgenthau, they are “futile and deceptive; even if we had access to the real motives of statesmen, that knowledge would help us little in understanding foreign policies” (Morgenthau, 1985, pp. 5–6). Nevertheless, new trends within realism have taken these factors into account to deal with the Cold War (Wolforth’s studies of how structural change is perceived at the international level) and with strategic interactions (Walt’s creation of the concept of balance-of-threat). Perceptual factors are now seen as pertinent within the hegemonic paradigm of international relations. The purpose of this chapter is to go beyond these uses. It analyses changes in perception as a determinant process in the construction of a couple¹ in which an enemy image is dismantled and partner image created as part of the process of reconciliation (i.e. the image is transformed). Reconciliation “is characterized by mutual recognition and acceptance, invested interests and goals and developing peaceful relations, as well as fully normalized, cooperative, political, economic and cultural relations” (Bar Tal and Bennink, 2004, p. 15). What are the vectors of reconciliation? What kind of actors support a “reconciliation initiative” (Kaufman, 2006, p. 206), encouraging such a process of mutual acceptance and a commitment to a normalized, peaceful relationship?