PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND THE DENIAL OF SREBRENICA GENOCIDE: INSIGHTS FROM COGNITIVE DISSONANCE THEORY

İbrahim Fevzi Güven

doi:10.53443/anadoluibfd.1660147

PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND THE DENIAL OF SREBRENICA GENOCIDE: INSIGHTS FROM COGNITIVE DISSONANCE THEORY

Abstract

In post-conflict societies, addressing the denial and even the justification of past atrocities is a critical step toward achieving sustainable peace, transitional justice, and reconciliation. How can the group psychology behind the denial of wartime atrocities be understood? This study draws on insights from cognitive dissonance theory to shed light on the underlying psychological mechanisms at play in the need for denial or justification of wartime aggression, with a particular focus on the denial of the Srebrenica Genocide. Cognitive dissonance theory posits that individuals experience psychological discomfort when confronted with conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors. To alleviate this discomfort, individuals can change their attitudes or behaviors, or rationalize their actions. In the context of war crimes, cognitive dissonance theory helps explain why denials, or justifications of these atrocities emerge as individuals seek to resolve the dissonance between their group’s positive image and the recognition of wartime acts. Furthermore, the study proposes Interactive Conflict Resolution (ICR) as a potential approach to address the denial of mass atrocities. ICR offers a framework for dialogue and mutual understanding among parties regarding the sensitive past, which could contribute to reconciliation efforts.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Peace Studies, Conflict Resolution in International Relations

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

İbrahim Fevzi Güven ^*
0000-0001-8616-947X
Türkiye

Publication Date

September 28, 2025

Submission Date

March 18, 2025

Acceptance Date

September 16, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 26 Number: 3

DOI

https://doi.org/10.53443/anadoluibfd.1660147

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA78AL74RW

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Güven, İ. F. (2025). PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND THE DENIAL OF SREBRENICA GENOCIDE: INSIGHTS FROM COGNITIVE DISSONANCE THEORY. Anadolu Üniversitesi İktisadi Ve İdari Bilimler Fakültesi Dergisi, 26(3), 380-401. https://doi.org/10.53443/anadoluibfd.1660147

AMA

1.Güven İF. PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND THE DENIAL OF SREBRENICA GENOCIDE: INSIGHTS FROM COGNITIVE DISSONANCE THEORY. AUİİBFD. 2025;26(3):380-401. doi:10.53443/anadoluibfd.1660147

Chicago

Güven, İbrahim Fevzi. 2025. “PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND THE DENIAL OF SREBRENICA GENOCIDE: INSIGHTS FROM COGNITIVE DISSONANCE THEORY”. Anadolu Üniversitesi İktisadi Ve İdari Bilimler Fakültesi Dergisi 26 (3): 380-401. https://doi.org/10.53443/anadoluibfd.1660147.

EndNote

Güven İF (September 1, 2025) PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND THE DENIAL OF SREBRENICA GENOCIDE: INSIGHTS FROM COGNITIVE DISSONANCE THEORY. Anadolu Üniversitesi İktisadi ve İdari Bilimler Fakültesi Dergisi 26 3 380–401.

IEEE

[1]İ. F. Güven, “PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND THE DENIAL OF SREBRENICA GENOCIDE: INSIGHTS FROM COGNITIVE DISSONANCE THEORY”, AUİİBFD, vol. 26, no. 3, pp. 380–401, Sept. 2025, doi: 10.53443/anadoluibfd.1660147.

ISNAD

Güven, İbrahim Fevzi. “PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND THE DENIAL OF SREBRENICA GENOCIDE: INSIGHTS FROM COGNITIVE DISSONANCE THEORY”. Anadolu Üniversitesi İktisadi ve İdari Bilimler Fakültesi Dergisi 26/3 (September 1, 2025): 380-401. https://doi.org/10.53443/anadoluibfd.1660147.

JAMA

1.Güven İF. PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND THE DENIAL OF SREBRENICA GENOCIDE: INSIGHTS FROM COGNITIVE DISSONANCE THEORY. AUİİBFD. 2025;26:380–401.

MLA

Güven, İbrahim Fevzi. “PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND THE DENIAL OF SREBRENICA GENOCIDE: INSIGHTS FROM COGNITIVE DISSONANCE THEORY”. Anadolu Üniversitesi İktisadi Ve İdari Bilimler Fakültesi Dergisi, vol. 26, no. 3, Sept. 2025, pp. 380-01, doi:10.53443/anadoluibfd.1660147.

Vancouver

1.İbrahim Fevzi Güven. PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND THE DENIAL OF SREBRENICA GENOCIDE: INSIGHTS FROM COGNITIVE DISSONANCE THEORY. AUİİBFD. 2025 Sep. 1;26(3):380-401. doi:10.53443/anadoluibfd.1660147