{"id":486,"date":"2019-12-09T12:57:38","date_gmt":"2019-12-09T11:57:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/acircleisround.com\/?p=486"},"modified":"2019-12-21T10:10:31","modified_gmt":"2019-12-21T09:10:31","slug":"why-psychoanalysis-provides-that-extra-bit-to-conflict-studies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/acircleisround.com\/nl\/2019\/12\/09\/why-psychoanalysis-provides-that-extra-bit-to-conflict-studies\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Psychoanalysis Provides That Extra Bit to Conflict Studies"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The field of psychodynamics is an umbrella term for all the theories in the field of psychology \u2014 yet, most specifically, psychoanalysis \u2014 that largely center on unconscious mental processes, such as enemy imagery formation, when studying conscious human behaviour.<\/p>\n

Quoting psychoanalyst Charles Rycroft, psychoanalysis \u201cinterprets human behaviour in terms of the self that experiences it and not in terms of entities external to it, such as other-worldly deities and leaders, and [\u2026] regards the self as a psychobiological entity which is always striving for self-realization and self-fulfilment\u201d1<\/sup><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Bringing in Conflict Studies<\/h2>\n

Many psychosocial, psychopolitical and conflict transformation scholars, such as Tim Hicks, Vamik Volkan, Malgorzata Kalinowska, Stevan Hobfoll, Henri Tajfel, Ronald Fisher, Herbert Kelman, Alon Ben-Meir and others, have each in their own way made the case for a more pronounced role of psychology in conflict studies.<\/p>\n

As a case in point, Ronald Fisher denotes that \u201cindividual-level psychologists (especially those of a psychodynamic bent) see unrealistic conflict as common and as rooted in intrapsychic processes\u201d\u00b2<\/a>.<\/p>\n

According to Fisher, unrealistic conflicts emanate from differences arising in the mind rather than from objective disparities in the real world, whereas realistic conflict is characterized by the latter.<\/p>\n

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Psychopolitical scholar and psychoanalyst Vamik Volkan pointedly elucidates that \u201cunderstanding a major underlying psychological factor does not erase real issues in an international conflict, but it does acknowledge obstacles to resolving such conflicts\u201d\u00b3<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Volkan recognizes the merit of perusing inter-group conflicts through a psychoanalytical lens, and strongly endorses a psychodynamic analysis of inter-group conflicts prior to engaging in any kind of intervention\u2074<\/a>. Indeed, to discern the concept of large-group identity, he argues, it is fundamental to fathom the intra-group and inter-group psychodynamic processes at play\u2075<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Conflict Resolved. Is It Really?<\/h2>\n
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While not denying its importance, reaching agreement on issues in inter-group conflicts does, however, not axiomatically lead to the disentanglement of underlying conflict dynamics\u2076<\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

After all, it is the process of reconciliation that holds the capacity to restore damaged conflict relationships in divided societies\u2077<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In this context, I favour a psychodynamic approach that transcends any specific phase of conflict resolution. I hereby follow psychosocial and conflict scholar Daniel Bar-Tal\u2019s reasoning, which interestingly points out that understanding the psychodynamics of inter-group conflict can be useful for both conflict resolution and reconciliation processes\u2078<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, psychopolitical scholar Kurt Jacobsen pinpoints that \u201crational choice notions, supposedly stripped of emotion, consistently lead to distorted depictions of human action\u201d\u2079<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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By looking beyond the purely \u201crational choice portraits of decision making\u201d\u00b9\u2070<\/a>, I argue therefore for a greater role for the reconciliatory character of psychodynamic processes within the framework of conflict transformation\u00b9\u00b9<\/a>, as reconciliation always suggests a psychological change\u00b9\u00b2<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

To that extent, psychoanalytical scholar Emanuel Berman stresses the importance of the quality of self-other relations in reference to a person\u2019s happiness\u00b9\u00b3<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Lingering Enemy Images Perpetuate Conflict<\/h2>\n

It is a truism that very often conflict interaction in inter-group conflicts is enmeshed in a web of negative stereotypes, self-defeating, hostile attitudes and unconstructive relationships.<\/p>\n

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The existence of such enemy images presupposes the existence of an ideology of dualism – or, put differently, an us-versus-them ideology – which can be considered as one of the primary underlying psychodynamic processes of many conflicts.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Psychosocial scholar Adriano Zamperini et al. fittingly argue that, \u201cthe psychosocial foundation of enemy images in processes of perception, identity formation, and group processes plays a continuous role\u201d\u00b9\u2074<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In many socio-psychological studies, it has been amply demonstrated that perceptions shape an individual\u2019s attitude\u00b9\u2075<\/a>, which in turn accounts for behaviour\u00b9\u2076<\/a>. For example, psychopolitical and conflict scholar Dean Tjosvold purposefully stresses the point that the perception of \u201cgoal interdependence very much impacts how individuals interact, which in turn affects outcomes\u201d\u00b9\u2077<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Psychoanalysis Unveils Its Added Value<\/h2>\n

What is more, psychosocial scholars Rachel Ben-Ari and Yehuda Amir interestingly remark that personal contact \u201cshould be regarded as a necessary but not sufficient condition for producing a positive change in ethnic attitudes and relations\u201d\u00b9\u2078<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In my view, the sufficient condition ought to consist of incorporating psychodynamic theories into conflict studies because, with the words of Jacobsen,<\/p>\n

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\u201cif the rulers, or the citizens who vote in rulers, become self-aware and savvy, they then can change the dynamics of the institutions and system they operate within, or, at least, alter their own reactions to them in beneficial ways\u201d\u00b9\u2079<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

In terms of inter-group dynamics, Fisher maintains that a cognitive perspective to an intervention suggests that, \u201cthe perception of homogeneity within a group and heterogeneity between groups, as well as in-group favouritism, needs to be countered. This includes challenging out-group stereotypes and biased causal attributes which in-group members use to \u201cexplain\u201d out-group members\u2019 behaviour\u201d\u00b2\u2070<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Fisher continues by saying that a correlation exists between the promotion of shared interests between groups and the diminution of in-group bias and between-group differences\u00b2\u00b9<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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However, Jacobsen pertinently contends that \u201c[c]ognitive psychology, unlike psychoanalysis, usually exempts practitioners from being prey to their own forms of unexamined irrationality\u201d\u00b2\u00b2<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Helpful Practical Implications<\/h2>\n

As a result, and holding on to a sliver of hope, intervention strategies that constructively aim to address and surmount biases and negative stereotyping, might in the course of time benefit from a deeper understanding of what role psychodynamic processes could play in conflict studies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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[1]<\/a> Rycroft, C. (1966).\u00a0Psychoanalysis Observed<\/em>, Constable, pp. 21.<\/p>\n

[2]<\/a> Fisher, R.J. (1990).\u00a0The Social Psychology of Intergroup and International Conflict Resolution<\/em>,Springer-Verlag, pp.31.<\/p>\n

[3]<\/a> Volkan, V.D. (2013).\u00a0Enemies on the Couch<\/em>, Pitchstone Publishing, pp.87.<\/p>\n

[4]<\/a> See Volkan, V.D. (2013). Large-Group-Psychology in Its Own Right: Large-Group Identity and Peace-Making.\u00a0International Journal of Applied Psychoanalytic Studies,\u00a0<\/em>10(3), p.241.<\/p>\n

[5]<\/a> Volkan (2013), pp.221.<\/p>\n

[6]<\/a> See for instance Edmunds, D., and Wollenberg, E. (2001). A strategic approach to multistakeholder negotiations.\u00a0Development and change<\/em>,\u00a032<\/em>(2), 231\u2013253.<\/p>\n

[7]<\/a> See Lederach, J.P. (1997).\u00a0Building peace: Sustainable reconciliation in divided societies.\u00a0<\/em>United States Institute of Peace Press Washington, DC.<\/p>\n

[8]<\/a> Bar-Tal, D. (2000). From Intractable Conflict Through Conflict Resolution to Reconciliation: Psychological Analysis.\u00a0Political Psychology,\u00a0<\/em>21(2), p.355.<\/p>\n

[9]<\/a> Jacobsen, K. (2013). Why Freud matters: Psychoanalysis and international relations revisited.\u00a0International Relations<\/em>, 27(4), p. 395.<\/p>\n

[10]<\/a> Jacobsen (2013), p.399.<\/p>\n

[11]<\/a> See for example Gawerc, M.I. (2006). Peace-Building: Theoretical and Concrete Perspectives.\u00a0Peace & Change,\u00a0<\/em>31(4), p.439.<\/p>\n

[12]<\/a> Bar-Tal (2000), p.356.<\/p>\n

[13]<\/a> Berman, E. (2015). In the Eye of the Storm: Israeli Psychoanalysis and its Political Surroundings.\u00a0Psychotherapy and Politics International<\/em>, 13(2), p.88.<\/p>\n

[14]<\/a> Zamperini, A., Andrighetto, L and Menegatto, M. (2012). The Deconstruction of Enemy Images for a Nonkilling Society. In:\u00a0Nonkilling Pyschology<\/em>, eds. D.Christie et al.(Honolulu, HI: Creative Commons, Center for Global Nonkilling, 2012), pp. 324.<\/p>\n

[15]<\/a> Dijksterhuis, A., and Van Knippenberg, A. (1998). The relation between perception and behavior, or how to win a game of trivial pursuit.\u00a0Journal of personality and social psychology<\/em>,\u00a074<\/em>(4), p.865.<\/p>\n

[16]<\/a> Ajzen, I., and Madden, T. J. (1986). Prediction of goal-directed behavior: Attitudes, intentions, and perceived behavioral control.\u00a0Journal of experimental social psychology<\/em>,\u00a022<\/em>(5), 453\u2013474.<\/p>\n

[17]<\/a> Tjosvold, D. (1998). Cooperative and competitive goal approach to conflict: Accomplishments and challenges.\u00a0Applied Psychology<\/em>,\u00a047<\/em>(3), p.288.<\/p>\n

[18]<\/a> Ben-Ari, R. and Amir, Y. (1988). Intergroup Contact, Cultural Information, and Change in Ethnic Attitudes. In:\u00a0The Social Psychology of Intergroup Conflict,\u00a0<\/em>eds. W. Stroebe, A.W. Kruglanski, D. Bar-Tal, and M. Hewstone (London: Springer-Verlag, 1988), pp.153.<\/p>\n

[19]<\/a> Jacobsen (2013), p.397.<\/p>\n

[20]<\/a> See for example Fisher (1990), pp.54.<\/p>\n

[21]<\/a> Fisher (1990), pp.55.<\/p>\n

[22]<\/a> Jacobsen (2013), p.395.<\/p>\n

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Back to Articles<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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We wait for that insight, for that click, for that new perspective, for that shift to happen so that everything just makes sense. And when it does click, it feels as if the solution was right there all along. Everything feels familiar and we feel so much lighter. Only this time, we are wearing a new and more experienced jacket. While circling through life one step at a time, the key insight lies in the fact that we are all connected. My name is Olivier and I write in circles to eventually come back to the same point. In the meantime, at every step, I write an article. 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In the context of conflict, Louie Zamperini et al. aptly state that enmification processes can significantly contribute to the understanding of how unrelenting mutual enmity in inter-group conflicts become so tenaciously\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Social Sciences"","block_context":{"text":"Social Sciences","link":"https:\/\/acircleisround.com\/nl\/category\/social-sciences\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Linking Group Psychology and Psychoanalytical Theories: a Bridge Too Far or Useful for Conflict Resolution?","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acircleisround.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Psychoanalysis_Linking.png?fit=1041%2C529&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acircleisround.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Psychoanalysis_Linking.png?fit=1041%2C529&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acircleisround.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Psychoanalysis_Linking.png?fit=1041%2C529&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acircleisround.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Psychoanalysis_Linking.png?fit=1041%2C529&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":561,"url":"https:\/\/acircleisround.com\/nl\/2019\/12\/21\/psychodynamic-development-enemy-images-inter-group-conflicts\/","url_meta":{"origin":486,"position":1},"title":"The Psychodynamic Development of Enemy Images in Inter-Group Conflicts","author":"Olivier Loose","date":"december 21, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"To define an enemy image, psychosocial and conflict scholar Louis Oppenheimer leans on political scientist Janice Gross Stein. He describes it as \u201ca set of beliefs or assumptions about an individual or a group and is considered a natural reaction to the process of identity formation by individuals and groups\u201d\u00b9.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Social Sciences"","block_context":{"text":"Social Sciences","link":"https:\/\/acircleisround.com\/nl\/category\/social-sciences\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"The Psychodynamic Development of Enemy Images in Inter-Group Conflicts","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acircleisround.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Psychoanalysis_Enemy-Images.png?fit=1041%2C529&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acircleisround.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Psychoanalysis_Enemy-Images.png?fit=1041%2C529&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acircleisround.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Psychoanalysis_Enemy-Images.png?fit=1041%2C529&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acircleisround.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Psychoanalysis_Enemy-Images.png?fit=1041%2C529&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":553,"url":"https:\/\/acircleisround.com\/nl\/2019\/12\/21\/nondualism-psychodynamics-information-processing-conflict-transformation\/","url_meta":{"origin":486,"position":2},"title":"A Daring Alliance: (Non-)Dualist Thinking, Psychodynamics, Information-Processing and Conflict Transformation","author":"Olivier Loose","date":"december 21, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Neuroscience suggests that verbal knowledge and emotions are housed in separate areas within the brain\u00b9. Because enemy images are mostly associated with negative emotions, negative stereotyping, prejudices, anger and hatred, this locational split in the brain partly accounts for biases in information-processing within the context of enemy imagery formation\u00b2. What\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Social Sciences"","block_context":{"text":"Social Sciences","link":"https:\/\/acircleisround.com\/nl\/category\/social-sciences\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Nondualism, Psychodynamics, information-Processing and Conflict Transformation | A Circle Is Round","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acircleisround.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Psychoanalysis_Daring-Alliance.png?fit=1041%2C529&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acircleisround.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Psychoanalysis_Daring-Alliance.png?fit=1041%2C529&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acircleisround.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Psychoanalysis_Daring-Alliance.png?fit=1041%2C529&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acircleisround.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Psychoanalysis_Daring-Alliance.png?fit=1041%2C529&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":558,"url":"https:\/\/acircleisround.com\/nl\/2019\/12\/21\/intrapersonal-interpersonal-theoretical-reflection-psychology-conflict-interaction\/","url_meta":{"origin":486,"position":3},"title":"Intrapersonal before Getting Interpersonal: a Theoretical Reflection on the Role of Psychology in Conflict Interaction","author":"Olivier Loose","date":"december 21, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"From the perspective of international relations theory, realists might argue that power mediation is more apt to settle intransigent conflicts. I oppose such views. Instead, I follow conflict scholars Loraleigh Keashly and Ronald Fisher in their reasoning that such coercive tactics indeed increase the parties\u2019 resistance to resolution\u00b9. To reach\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Social Sciences"","block_context":{"text":"Social Sciences","link":"https:\/\/acircleisround.com\/nl\/category\/social-sciences\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Intrapersonal before getting Interpersonal: a theoretical reflection on the role of psychology in conflict interaction","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acircleisround.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Psychoanalysis_Intrapersonal.png?fit=1041%2C529&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acircleisround.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Psychoanalysis_Intrapersonal.png?fit=1041%2C529&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acircleisround.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Psychoanalysis_Intrapersonal.png?fit=1041%2C529&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acircleisround.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Psychoanalysis_Intrapersonal.png?fit=1041%2C529&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":490,"url":"https:\/\/acircleisround.com\/nl\/2019\/12\/09\/the-theorized-role-of-psychotherapy-in-multi-level-conflict-resolution\/","url_meta":{"origin":486,"position":4},"title":"The Theorized Role of Psychotherapy in Multi-Level Conflict Resolution","author":"Olivier Loose","date":"december 9, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"This article aims to contribute to the theoretical discussion on socio-psychological approaches to conflict resolution. It explores what role psychotherapy can offer to conflict transformation of protracted conflicts. Recognizing the need for greater attention to socio-psychological aspects in conflict resolution methods, I participated in 2014 in a psychotherapy workshop, which\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Social Sciences"","block_context":{"text":"Social Sciences","link":"https:\/\/acircleisround.com\/nl\/category\/social-sciences\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"The Theorized Role of Psychotherapy in Multi-Level Conflict Resolution","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acircleisround.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Psychoanalysis_Psychodrama.png?fit=1041%2C529&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acircleisround.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Psychoanalysis_Psychodrama.png?fit=1041%2C529&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acircleisround.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Psychoanalysis_Psychodrama.png?fit=1041%2C529&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acircleisround.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Psychoanalysis_Psychodrama.png?fit=1041%2C529&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":161,"url":"https:\/\/acircleisround.com\/nl\/2019\/10\/30\/making-the-european-union-whole-again\/","url_meta":{"origin":486,"position":5},"title":"Making the European Union Whole Again","author":"Olivier Loose","date":"oktober 30, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Some believe that a deeper integrated European Union (EU) would benefit us all, as we would strengthen our coordination on a broad range of policies within the EU. Greater coordination increases policy efficiency, enhancing our quality of life. In addition, we would be increasingly regarded as a coherent bloc of\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Social Sciences"","block_context":{"text":"Social Sciences","link":"https:\/\/acircleisround.com\/nl\/category\/social-sciences\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Making the European Union Whole Again","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acircleisround.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Making-the-EU-whole-again.png?fit=1042%2C529&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acircleisround.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Making-the-EU-whole-again.png?fit=1042%2C529&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acircleisround.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Making-the-EU-whole-again.png?fit=1042%2C529&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acircleisround.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Making-the-EU-whole-again.png?fit=1042%2C529&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/acircleisround.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/486","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/acircleisround.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/acircleisround.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/acircleisround.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/acircleisround.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=486"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/acircleisround.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/486\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":548,"href":"https:\/\/acircleisround.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/486\/revisions\/548"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/acircleisround.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/487"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/acircleisround.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=486"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/acircleisround.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=486"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/acircleisround.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=486"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}