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Article published In: Journal of Language and Politics
Vol. 15:2 (2016) ► pp.193–214

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Recognition gaps in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

The people-state and self-other axes

 | The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Published online: 9 June 2016
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https://doi.org/10.1075/jlp.15.2.04fri
This study identifies gaps in official discourse between recognition of the other as a nation and recognition of the other’s right to statehood within identity conflicts. Using as a case study the discourse of Israeli political leaders during three distinct periods from 1967 until the present, the study proposes analytical tools based on recognition theory to examine how the relationship between recognition of the other and constitution of the self impact recognition gaps. The study illustrates that partial recognition of the other — either affirmation of peoplehood coupled with denial of statehood or conversely affirmation of statehood coupled with denial of peoplehood — can result from an untenable view of self based on ontological dissonance. Recognition of the other is shown to be an essential aspect of self-constitution within the context of a transformation of self-identity towards an identity that frees itself of mastery over the other.
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