What phenomenon occurs when each party in a conflict views the other side as aggressive?

The correct answer is that the phenomenon where each party in a conflict views the other side as aggressive is known as mirror-image perceptions. This concept refers to the tendency for opposing sides in a conflict to see each other in a similar light, often perceiving the opponent’s actions as hostile or aggressive while justifying their own actions as defensive or reasonable.

In conflicts, this can lead to an escalation of tensions, as both sides believe they are the victims of the other's aggression. This mutual misunderstanding can hinder the possibility of resolution, as each side is entrenched in their perspective that they are justified in their behavior while viewing the other as unprovoked aggressors. Mirror-image perceptions often occur in situations like international conflicts, where nations perceive one another's military actions through biased interpretations.

The other concepts mentioned do not directly relate to this particular dynamic. Self-fulfilling prophecy involves expectations influencing outcomes, ethnocentrism is the evaluation of other cultures based on one's own cultural norms, and graduated and reciprocated initiatives refer to strategies in conflict resolution that emphasize gradual concessions. None of these accurately capture the idea of mutual hostility and perception present in a conflict situation like mirror-image perceptions does.