"Politics is not merely a matter of rational decisions but a continuous interplay of the emotions of leaders and the people," remarked Associate Professor Dr. Adis Maksić during his recent appearance on the programme NAUČNIK IN on Televizija Sarajevo.
Dr. Maksić, a highly regarded member of our academic community, used this opportunity to share details about his current research project, which delves deeply into the emotional underpinnings of prolonged conflicts. The project focuses on four key case studies: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Israel and Palestine, and Nagorno-Karabakh between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
This research explores the critical role emotions play in maintaining longstanding conflicts and societal divisions. By investigating these four complex cases, Dr. Maksić sheds light on how emotional dynamics, such as fear, anger, and mistrust, perpetuate animosities and shape political behaviours.
What sets this project apart is its unique and comprehensive methodology. Dr. Maksić incorporates extensive fieldwork, including direct interviews with individuals on both sides of each conflict. This approach provides an authentic and nuanced understanding of the emotional drivers at play, moving beyond abstract theories to capture the lived realities of those affected. By bringing personal narratives into the academic discourse, the project bridges the gap between theoretical analysis and human experience.
The research findings are not only academically significant but also carry profound implications for conflict resolution and peacebuilding. By understanding the emotional foundations of conflict, policymakers and peacebuilders can develop more effective strategies that address the root causes of division rather than merely the symptoms.
Dr. Maksić’s work highlights the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence in political leadership and decision-making. His findings challenge the conventional view of politics as purely rational and instead present it as a deeply human endeavour shaped by complex emotional interactions.
Dr. Maksić’s contributions to advancing both scientific knowledge and societal progress are highly commendable. His dedication to exploring the emotional dimensions of conflict provides invaluable insights into the complexities of fostering peace and reconciliation in some of the world’s most deeply divided regions.
To learn more about this research and its far-reaching implications, we invite you to watch the full interview on Televizija Sarajevo.
📹 Watch the video here: Dr. Adis Maksić on (NAUČNIK IN) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sqv8zeZkjLs