Why empathy is not the right starting point for building lasting peace
In short: Mediator Hiba Qasas argues that traditional peacebuilding often fails because it prioritizes empathy over pragmatism. Drawing on four decades of experience in high-stakes conflict zones, she explains how focusing on shared incentives can foster collaboration even during active warfare.
Hiba Qasas suggests that the conventional approach to conflict resolution is fundamentally flawed. Instead of seeking emotional reconciliation or empathy as a prerequisite, she proposes that peace efforts should be anchored in self-interest. By identifying and leveraging shared incentives, she has successfully facilitated active collaboration between hundreds of Israeli and Palestinian leaders, despite the ongoing violence.
This perspective shifts the focus from idealistic goals to practical, mutually beneficial outcomes. Qasas, who has worked in dangerous conflict environments for forty years, presented these insights at TED2026 on April 14, 2026.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Missing Ingredient in Every Peace Deal | Hiba Qasas | TED
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