Promoting adversaries
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Promoting adversaries refers to a self-organizing tactical relationship between opposing organizations (can be countries, terrorist organizations, businesses, religious institutions, etc. - and mixes of any of these, i.e. terrorist org. vs. country) in which both opposing sides benefit (gain/concentrate power or wealth) by attacking each other. The relationship usually relies on either side never fully defeating the other, because the whole time their 'conflict' helps both sides (while each side also simultaneously takes occasional 'acceptable' losses).
The tactic is mutually beneficial, even though it occurs between opposing organizations. It seems to work within a tendency where those opposed are increasingly polarized. When the tactic is used, it has the effect of making those involved in the relationship even more polarized than they were to begin with. It makes those involved more extreme (more fundamentalist, more authoritarian, etc.).
The term "promoting adversaries" was coined by Rawi Hage in his article about an example of this tactical relationship being used by Israel & Hezbollah. He referred to promoting adversaries as "the secret to fundamentalism". It is a tactic that many of the world's fundamentalist groups & governments are currently exploiting and its use will probably accelerate in the near future. The article can be found HERE:
He described it as a mathematical formula: minus times minus equals a plus (-1 x -1 = +1).
This tactic is dynamically similar to certain publicity techniques, and so can be used by individuals and products seeking to gain/concentrate power or wealth as well.
Some examples include: Donald Trump vs. Rosie O'Donnell, as well as aspects of manufactured conflict for ratings purposes on many "reality" shows on TV.
"Promoting Adversaries" has also been parodied most recently by Stephen Colbert on his show, The Colbert Report in which Stephen's brand of Ben & Jerry's ice cream (AmeriCone Dream) is pitted against Willie Nelson's brand of Ben & Jerry's ice cream (Country Peach Cobbler). Of course it is obvious that this very public 'conflict' generates hilarious advertising for both products, which are owned by the same company.
The tactic of "promoting adversaries" needs peer-reviewed scientific analysis and I await experiments with the greatest of all anticipation. Any and all political scientists, sociologists, economists, etc. should begin working immediately on this as its value across-the-board for human society cannot be overstated. An understanding of nonlinear dynamics will help in designing these experiments.
