In conjunction with his previous analysis of war as a violent transactional game, the author explores the thesis that such violent conflict might be tied to an underlying cultural script transmitted across generations. He highlights the need for cultural leaders to be aware of the unacknowledged, or unconscious, level of this script, which, if made transparent, might help to facilitate peaceful resolution of these conflicts. He uses the United States as a case example to show how there may have been cultural script elements supporting the continuing use of military interventions and offers a case example of the scripting of a U.S. soldier. In his review of variables that may support his premise, he uses a historical perspective to review cultural narratives and related script beliefs in the war zone as well as a survey of script reinforcers. Some concluding reflections on how transactional analysts can help to de-script war are offered.

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Articles
Cultural Scripting for Forever Wars
Pages 276-288
Published online: 28 Dec 2017
Articles
Cultural Scripting for Forever Wars
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