Considering Group‐level Emotions as a Factor for Change Amid Increasing Tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH)

Abstract

Traumatic events such as wars and genocides generate powerful emotions, most notably fear and distrust. Based on analysis of in‐depth field interviews, this article aims to deepen our understanding of the role of emotion in the reconciliation process by means of concepts described in the intergroup emotions theory. This paper begins with an overview of the literature on intergroup emotions theory and then discusses the implications of group‐level emotions in regard to intergroup behavior and the reconciliation process in a context where trauma is prevalent and the social distance between groups is high such as is the case in BiH. It is then argued that including peacebuilding measures that take into account intergroup emotions—decreasing negative group‐based emotional experiences, especially trauma‐related emotions which can be easily manipulated such as fear—has become imperative in BiH. This article also aims to highlight the importance of developing trust as a crucial element in the reconciliation process.