Abstract
In asymmetrical, prolonged conflicts, advantaged groups may implement unilateral helping policies to improve disadvantaged groups’ well-being without substantial political compromises or altering the status quo. We investigated how exposure to such helping initiatives affects the advantaged group’s willingness to make actual political concessions for peace. Three hundred fifty-three Jewish Israeli participants were randomly assigned to watch an authentic Israeli helping initiative toward Palestinians before (manipulation) or after (control) completing conflict questionnaires. Results showed that following the manipulation, right-wing participants demonstrated less support for significant political concessions necessary for peace compared to the control group. This effect was mediated by decreased moral emotions and lower expectations for peace. Findings suggest that helping initiatives in an asymmetrical context may strengthen the advantaged group’s moral image while reducing expectations for peace and the willingness to make genuine political compromises essential for sustainable peace. Hence, while seemingly benevolent, such initiatives can hinder peace.
| Original language | American English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research |
| Early online date | 29 Sep 2025 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2025 |
Keywords
- Assistance (Social Behavior) ; Conflict ; Expectations ; Initiative ; Morality ; Peace