Assignment:
Hypothesis: The increasingly moderate and social-minded mentalities of younger generations, both of whom have lived their entire lives in conflict, will be more open and accepting of a one-state solution that comprehensively integrates Israeli and Palestinian populations.
Independent Variables:
- Sentiment and mindset of both populations in regards to the conflict
- Level of popularity (or lack thereof) for extremist governments on both sides
- Extent of knowledge of both potential solutions, one-state and two-state
- Willingness/tolerance of both sides in regards to cultural/religious/social differences
Identify previous cases/examples of integration, treaties, policies, etc that may slightly mirror the Israeli/Palestinian conflict in the past
Abstract
Intro
In the scope of ongoing global conflicts in the era of modern history, perhaps one of the most prominent and hotly debated topics is that of the decades-long battle between Israel and Palestine. With both sides seemingly unwilling to budge on the things they lay claim to, and negotiations falling to pieces in practically each of the dozens of attempts that have been made to find a solution in the last several decades, some have written off the ability to find a peaceful and comprehensive solution as hopeless. One cannot blame the demoralization that has arisen as a result of the ongoing feud between the two groups, as the stubbornness from both sides makes it nearly impossible to see a viable path towards conflict resolution. Thousands of innocent lives lost, countless uprisings and protests only to be answered with violent crackdown and oppression, and representation of both populations depicting the extremist mentality that makes diplomacy look like an implausible goal, the outlook on the conflict is nonetheless grim.
However, what has failed to be taken into consideration is the shifting tides of demographics that is occurring on both sides of the conflict, and with it bringing a potential change in mindset and sentiment regarding the tireless feud. In other words, both the Israeli and Palestinian populations are seeing an overwhelming surge of youth coming into their societies, a factor that has little been discussed as a possible way forward. As the youth grow weary of living their lives in a time of conflict and oppression, and the new-age, globalized mindset instilling more progressive and moderate ideals into the younger generation, a faint glimmer of hope arises in the role that these future leaders and decision-makers will play in finding a comprehensive solution that leads to minimal disadvantages for both sides, and an attempt to come to a cohesive understanding with one another in order to put the conflict aside, once and for all.
In regards to research conducted about how these shifting mindsets and youth populations could impact the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, little attention has been focused on how the similarities and links in mentality could provide a solution. However, despite the fact that there does not exist this trove of data that would suggest a peaceful resolution to the conflict, by analyzing overarching factors on both sides, and combining this information with the already established pathways to solution, it helps paint a clearer picture about the potential hope of new mindsets bringing about a new wave of willingness to agree. The primary topic of this research will look into the factors that will play a role in the younger generations willingness and abilities to find a solution to the ongoing conflict. In doing so, analyzing factors such as the inherent sentiment of each side in relation to the other, the popularity (or lack thereof) of the extremist governments for both groups, the knowledge of Israeli and Palestinian populations regarding the one-state and two-state solutions and the outcomes that result from each, as well as delving into whether or not the shift in mindset can truly bring about the desire for tolerance and acceptance setting aside religious or cultural differences, will all help outline a more cohesive understanding of how this dramatic demographic change will ultimately impact the decades-long feud.
By considering these aforementioned factors, alongside similar cases that have arisen in the past that vaguely mirror the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, this research will hope to answer the question of: what factors (and to what degree), in the growing youth populations and shifts towards progressive mindset in the Israeli and Palestinian populations, will play a role in the ultimate solution to the ongoing conflict, and what factors will cause a lean towards either a one-state or two-state solution?