Antomarini, BrunellaDriessen, MichaelHagar, Aviv2025-01-142025-01-142024Hagar, Aviv. "Breaking the Cycle of Violence: Cybernetics, Information, and the Path to Coexistence in the Israeli Palestinian Conflict". BA Thesis, John Cabot University, Rome, Italy. 2024.https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14490/853Thesis (B.A. in Political Science, Minor in Philosophy)--John Cabot University, Fall 2024.This thesis examines the cybernetic paradigm of knowledge and its application in the political and social realities of today. Drawing from systems theory, it challenges the modern scientific notion of humanity’s relationship with the environment, emphasizing the importance of understanding circular causal relationships in systems rather than the linear models traditionally used in modern science. By adopting a systems theory perspective, the thesis reframes political and social conflict as systemic relationships within complex environments, where negative feedback loops allow for the exchange of information and mutual adjustment between components. The rapid rise of digital media has intensified global conflicts, often portrayed in oversimplified, linear cause-and-effect narratives. This approach fosters polarization and misrepresents the complexity of conflicts, obstructing deeper understanding and peaceful resolution. Through a case study of the Israel-Hamas conflict, this thesis demonstrates how systems theory, especially the concept of feedback loops, provides a more comprehensive understanding of complex conflicts. The Israel-Hamas conflict is not simply a series of linear events, but a dynamic system in which the actions of both sides perpetuate cycles of violence and division. Recognizing these interdependent relationships, the thesis advocates for a shift away from linear narratives, suggesting that conflict resolution requires an understanding of mutual influence and the potential for mutual adjustment. By acknowledging the interconnectedness of all actors, systems, and environments, this research offers new insights into how we can approach conflict resolution in a more constructive and sustainable way. The challenge lies not only in addressing immediate grievances but in rethinking the systems of power and information that sustain these conflicts, locally and globally. Only by recognizing the complexity of these interconnected systems can we hope to move toward a resolution that breaks the cycle of self-destruction and allows for peaceful coexistence.58 pagesenAttribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 Internationalhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Israeli-Palestinian conflictCyberneticsSystems theoryConflict managementThesis