After conflict, intergroup divisions often persist, becoming entrenched and normative. Violating norms of division to help outgroup members may be an effective form of peacebuilding, yet involves social risks, thus requiring prosocial risk-taking. We explore predictors of willingness to help general, ingroup, and outgroup targets across three countries (Switzerland, N=431; Northern Ireland, N=256; Colombia, N=286) with varying experiences of intergroup conflict, and a broad age range of youth (12-26-years, M=18.36, SD=4.00, 57.2% female, 40.2% male, 2.6% another gender). Of interest was the extent to which prosocial risk-taking was predicted by individual differences in prosocial behavior, trait risk-taking, or their combination. The moderating role of perceived peer norms of intergroup friendship-a proxy for social risk of non-conformity-was also explored. Prosocial behavior and trait risk-taking differentially predicted prosocial risk-taking by country; we found no evidence in any country that combined traits of higher prosociality and risk-taking were associated with prosocial risk-taking. Findings indicated various motives to participate in prosocial risk-taking. Perceived peer norms moderated the primary paths of interest. Higher prosociality (Study 2) and risk-taking (Study 3) were only positively related to prosocial risk-taking when peer norms were relatively supportive; yet, when peer norms were relatively unsupportive, higher levels of prosociality and risk-taking were not sufficient to motivate higher prosocial risk-taking. Our research situates individual-level cognitive factors linked to potential peacebuilding in an ecological context and center youth as agents with the capacity to disrupt cycles of division and conflict. SUMMARY: We advance prosocial risk-taking (taking a risk to help others) as a form of peacebuilding after intergroup conflict. Prosocial risk-taking was differentially predicted by prosociality and trait risk-taking across three countries with different conflict histories. Perceived peer norms of intergroup friendship moderated the associations between prosociality (Study 2), trait risk-taking (Study 3) and prosocial risk-taking. Prosociality and trait risk-taking converged with age to jointly predict prosocial risk-taking (Study 1) across a broad age span (12-26-years).

The Historical Roots of the Social Conflict Phenomenon in Syria in the Context of Intergroup Conflict Theories

This study examines pathways to harmony in Nigeria by analysing the twin interplay of intercultural and interreligious violence, with a specific focus on targeted attacks against Christian communities. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative analysis of conflict datasets from 2019 to 2025, including the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), International Crisis Group, and Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) with qualitative thematic evaluation of government reports, media accounts and scholarly literature. Guided by Intergroup Threat Theory, the study identifies both realistic threats such as competition over land, resources, and political representation and symbolic threats like challenges to cultural and religious identity as central drivers of intergroup hostility. Empirical findings reveal a consistent escalation in violence, with recorded incidents targeting Christian populations rising from 420 in 2019 to 810 in 2025, and estimated fatalities increasing from 2,110 to 3,470 over the same period. The study further documents associated displacement patterns, regional hotspots and attacks on religious institutions, highlighting the systemic vulnerability of affected communities. Based on these findings, evidence-informed strategic interventions including strengthened institutional protection, interreligious dialogue, early-warning systems and cooperative economic initiatives are proposed as pragmatic pathways to mitigating intergroup conflict. The research contributes a comprehensive, data-driven framework for understanding and addressing Nigeria’s interreligious and intercultural divides, offering actionable insights for policymakers, security agencies, and peacebuilding stakeholders.

In recent years, the literature on intergroup conflict has increasingly focused on strategies aimed at resolving long-standing, deep-rooted, and violent intergroup disputes. However, the majority of these studies concentrate on conflict cases that occur between relatively homogeneous groups and in which cycles of violence have largely subsided, failing to adequately consider contexts where asymmetrical power relations and representational inequalities are central. This article examines how reducing ingroup identification among members of advantaged groups can enhance the effectiveness of conflict resolution strategies in such contexts. It argues that ingroup identification reinforces conflict through perceptions of ingroup uniqueness, outgroup homogeneity, and value-based differentiation between groups. When these perceptions are weakened, strategies such as social justice initiatives, positive intergroup contact, constructive dialogue, negotiation and mediation, as well as recategorization and decategorization, may become more effective. The article presents a structured, stepwise pre-intervention model designed to support this process and suggests that reducing the dominance of social identity within individual self-concept can facilitate cognitively grounded, solution-oriented reappraisal and change.

ABSTRACT To what extent are preferences for individual versus collective rights shaped by historical experiences, particularly colonialism? To answer this question, we conducted field studies in Fiji, a former British colony, home to two populations with distinct histories of colonial subjugation. We reasoned that for Indigenous iTaukei, for whom collective rights were stripped, prioritizing group rights on issues tied to colonial harm would be seen as essential for cultural survival. Contrastingly, we reasoned that Indo‐Fijians (descendants of indentured laborers brought to Fiji under colonial rule) would prefer equal rights for all. In Study 1, we assessed attitudes toward equality across various social and political issues, finding that iTaukei were less likely to endorse equality, particularly concerning land ownership. Study 2 explored iTaukei perceptions of land rights, revealing that they view granting Indo‐Fijians land access as a threat to their identity and survival. Study 3 explored support for democratic norms, themselves an artifact of Western legal thinking imposed upon Fiji. While support for democratic norms was high in abstract, members of both groups were more supportive of democratic violations when such violations served their group's interests. Findings highlight the lasting psychological impact of colonialism, demonstrating how historical grievances shape reasoning about rights and governance in postcolonial societies. Understanding these dynamics provides insight into contemporary intergroup conflict and the tension between universal democratic principles and Indigenous collective rights. This work contributes to broader discussions on decolonization and underscores the need for culturally sensitive approaches to human rights discourse.

Abstract Exclusionary social policies take a significant toll on the mental and physical health of targeted groups. Support for specific exclusionary policies does not always align with general antipathy towards the targeted group, however. Does support for specific exclusionary policies rely on particular thought processes (i.e., cognitive mechanisms)? Does opposition? We investigate these questions through the lens of “bathroom laws” across two studies. In Study 1, we use functional neuroimaging to test three candidate cognitive mechanisms from the literature: (1) threat-related emotions (e.g., fear, disgust) supporting exclusionary preferences; (2) mentalizing (e.g., empathy, perspective-taking) supporting inclusionary preferences; and (3) self-regulation (e.g., aligning one’s behavior with one’s goals) supporting inclusionary preferences. Consistent with the intergroup conflict and prejudice literatures, we find evidence of a motivated self-regulation mechanism in bathroom law opponents. In Study 2, we investigate a possible source of this motivation using text analysis of open-ended policy preference justifications. We find that bathroom law opponents link their policy preference to a small number of specific values, particularly autonomy of action. Taken together, these studies point to a value-driven, motivational account of inclusionary preferences that reconciles puzzling patterns of public opinion, offers new levers for tolerance interventions, and provides some insight into the brain-basis of political behavior.

This research study investigates the effectiveness of mediation strategies, including facilitation, in resolving inter-group conflicts within organizations and their impact on productivity in the Sri Lankan apparel industry. The study employs qualitative research design, utilizing semi-structured interviews, Key Informant Interviews (KII), and focused group discussions (FGD) to capture diverse perspectives and experiences. The sampling strategy encompasses three organizational levels, including HR managers, supervisors, and grassroots-level employees from the apparel industry in the Western Province.The data collection methods include semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, particularly supervisors from identified sections, to explore the nuanced experiences, perspectives, and emotions surrounding inter-group conflicts within an organizational context. Key Informant Interviews (KII) are conducted with HR managers to extract comprehensive insights into organizational policies and existing mechanisms for conflict resolution. Focused group discussions tap into collective perspectives, experiences, and opinions concerning inter-group conflicts within the organization. Thematic analysis is applied to qualitative data, revealing patterns and insights from interviews, focus group discussions, and Key Information Interviews (KII). Organizational productivity reports and annual reports are scrutinized to objectively assess changes in productivity resulting from mediation and other conflict resolution strategies.The literature review explores four crucial areas: organization structure, mediation, facilitation, and their impact on organizational productivity in resolving inter-group conflicts. The study highlights key findings and contributions to understanding mediation strategies in resolving inter-group conflicts. It underscores practical implications for organizational frameworks, providing recommendations for integrating mediation techniques proactively. The conclusion reflects on the broader significance of the study, addressing its limitations and proposing avenues for future research. Ultimately, the study reinforces the transformative potential of mediation in shaping harmonious organizational ecosystems and fostering enduring productivity.

From 'Neurons to Nations': Neurocognitive foundations of nationalism.

Social media, AI, and the rise of extremism during intergroup conflict

The Troisième caverne of Goyet has yielded the largest assemblage of Neandertal remains in Northern Europe with clear evidence of anthropogenic modifications. However, its skeletal fragmentation has long limited detailed morphological and behavioural study on the assemblage. In this study, we integrate palaeogenetic, isotopic, morphometric, and structural analyses of the long bones to assess the biological profiles of the Neandertals from Goyet and explore whether they present particularities that could shed light on the formation of this unique cannibalised assemblage. We identify a minimum of six individuals, including four adult or adolescent females. Compared to Homo sapiens and Neandertals-including regional specimens-the females from Goyet display short statures and reduced diaphyseal robusticity of their long bones. They lack skeletal markers associated with high mobility despite isotopic evidence for non-local origins. The overrepresentation of short, morphologically gracile, non-local females, alongside two immature individuals, suggests a strong selection bias in the individuals present at the site. Dated between 41,000 and 45,000years ago, a period marked by Neandertal cultural diversity, biological decline and the arrival of Homo sapiens in Northern Europe, the cannibalised female and juvenile Neandertals from Goyet indicate exocannibalism, possibly linked to inter-group conflict, territoriality, and/or specific treatment of outsiders.

Rising anti-Semitism in the United States highlights the urgent need for interventions that reduce ethnic hatred. Digital platforms offer new opportunities for fostering cross-cultural understanding. This study examines whether watching live-streamed Jewish intangible cultural heritage (ICH) videos can improve viewers' cross-cultural competence and reduce anti-Semitic attitudes. We conducted an online survey of 569 participants, applying Terror Management Theory to understand how cultural heritage content influences intergroup relations. Enjoyment of Jewish ICH videos significantly predicted higher cross-cultural competence in three areas: attitudes, knowledge, and skills. Intrinsic motivation strengthened positive effects on attitudes and knowledge, while external regulations weakened them. Greater cross-cultural competence correlated with increased Jewish affinity, fewer negative stereotypes, and stronger opposition to anti-Semitism. Generation Z showed unique patterns: lower Jewish affinity but higher anti-Semitism opposition compared to other generations. Live-streaming platforms can effectively combat prejudice by promoting cultural heritage content. Our findings support integrating digital ICH videos into communication campaigns aimed at reducing anti-Semitism and building intercultural understanding. This research demonstrates how technology-mediated cultural engagement can address real-world intergroup conflicts.

This study aims to analyze the role of mass media in influencing the escalation of social conflict in society. Mass media, both conventional and digital, have significant power in shaping public opinion and influencing public perceptions of sensitive social issues. In the context of Indonesia's pluralistic society, non-objective and provocative reporting can accelerate the rise of social tensions and exacerbate intergroup conflict. This study uses a qualitative descriptive approach with a literature review method, drawing on sources from various scientific journals, books, and previous research reports. The results indicate that media can act as both a trigger and a mitigator of conflict, depending on how information is presented to the public. Media that prioritizes the principles of peace journalism can help create cross-group communication, foster empathy, and strengthen social solidarity. Conversely, biased and sensational media can exacerbate differences and lead to social disintegration. Therefore, media practitioners require moral responsibility, professional ethics, and social awareness to ensure their function remains oriented toward truth, justice, and peace. Thus, mass media holds a strategic position in building social harmony amidst the diversity of Indonesian society.

The rise of fragile cities in the global South has been attributed to growing informalities. The aim of this article is to explore how religious bodies informally operate and utilise urban public places and how this contributes to the growing conflicts in Addis Ababa. We employed the concept of ‘religious informality’ to display how land was utilised, informally, outside the bounds of legal and planning frameworks. Based on an exploratory qualitative method, this study found that there is a growing multitude of urban informalities produced or facilitated by religious institutions, both in the city centre and peri-urban areas of Addis Ababa. Land is informally utilised not only by individuals but also by religious bodies, both for religious services and economic ends. Religious establishments have been perceived as a means of wealth accumulation, acquiring land informally, below or beyond the city planning standards and using it for informal businesses and settlements, all leading to intergroup conflicts. Hence, religion is a key urban actor but remains one of the least regulated and is becoming a central feature of growing urban fragility.

Throughout nature, animals cooperate within coalitions and groups to inflict damage on other groups. Prominent theory in the behavioural and biological sciences consider this reflective of the effects intergroup conflict exerted on the evolution of cooperation. Here I address a missing link in this line of argument – how can intergroup conflict emerge ex nihilo . Experiments considering participation in coalitionary aggression on non-threatening out-groups disconfirm evolved out-group bias as an explanation. More likely is that coalitionary aggression rests on parochial solidarity – to win ‘spoils of war’ for oneself and one’s in-group. Cooperation did not evolve because of conflict. Conflict is a by-product of evolved capacity for cooperation and can be avoided.

Research Problem: This article examines the enduring land conflict between the Tiv and Jukun communities in Taraba State, Nigeria. The conflict centers on land as a resource essential to survival, identity, and political relevance. Despite multiple peace initiatives, the dispute recurs, highlighting the limitations of existing interventions and the neglect of deeper structural issues. Methods/Theory: The article employs a qualitative approach, using documentary analysis and interpretive methods to explore the causes and peacebuilding responses. It is grounded in Realistic Conflict Theory, which links intergroup conflict to competition over scarce resources, and uses the conflict tree model to analyze immediate, underlying, and structural causes. Results: Findings reveal that land represents more than a resource; it symbolizes power, belonging, and recognition. The conflict follows a cyclical pattern, re-emerging with heightened intensity despite efforts at resolution. Traditional mechanisms and state-led peacebuilding have proven inadequate, often failing to address the root causes or provide long-term stability. Conclusion: The Tiv-Jukun conflict illustrates the failure of superficial interventions to resolve deeply embedded disputes. Structural inequalities and historical grievances must be addressed to achieve lasting peace. Key Contribution to Knowledge: By applying Realistic Conflict Theory and the conflict tree, the article offers a fresh perspective on the persistence of ethnic land conflicts in Nigeria, emphasizing the roles of resource competition and identity. Recommendation: The article advocates for inclusive, community-driven peacebuilding, and mobilization of social and intellectual resources to tackle structural causes and build trust.

How defense rhetoric escalates intergroup conflict

This article explores the impact of "Sangam – The Festival of Confluence," a youth-centered initiative in South Asia that bridges local and scientific knowledge to tackle climate change and climate-induced resource based and intergroup conflicts. The study employs a case study approach to explore the festival’s outcomes, focusing on dialogue, cooperation, and sustainable actions. The evaluation framework assesses knowledge exchange, grassroots dissemination intentions, and policy and action engagement. Data was collected via a post-festival survey, analyzed for internal consistency using Cronbach’s Alpha for key constructs —(a) knowledge and perspective exchange; (b) intentions to disseminate; and (c) formulation of action plans and policy recommendations – and supplemented by descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis. Results show that the festival significantly enhanced participants' understanding of climate change and its associated conflicts. A majority expressed strong intent to disseminate the knowledge and perspectives gained, with 95% reporting motivation to share their insights. Furthermore, 90% of participants developed action plans and policy recommendations, indicating a high level of engagement. The correlation between knowledge and perspective exchange about climate induced conflicts, the perceived urgency of climate action, and understanding the importance of engagement in climate action highlights the festival’s role in fostering climate resilience and peacebuilding. This article emphasizes the potential of youth-led approaches to amplify voices from the Global South in promoting climate resilience, peacebuilding, and systemic change.

Recent surges in intergroup conflict across racial, religious, and national lines highlight how mutual perceptions of threat can lead to escalating cycles of hostility. These cycles are believed to be driven by interconnected psychological, sociopolitical, and cultural mechanisms, with each group responding aggressively to perceived hostility from the other. Yet, systematic exploration of the psychological mechanisms behind reciprocally escalating violence and negativity remains limited. This research uniquely integrates experimental and longitudinal methodologies to provide novel, causal insights into these dynamics by being the first to demonstrate reciprocal violent intentions over time between majority and minority groups. This research uniquely integrates experimental and longitudinal methodologies to provide novel, causal insights into these dynamics. Using intergroup tensions in Denmark as a case in point, we investigated escalating reciprocal violent intentions between members of a majority group and a marginalized minority. In wave 1, experiments 1A and 2A showed that both groups expressed stronger endorsement of violent extremism against the other group when they perceived hostility from that group. In wave 2, experiments 1B and 2B provided evidence of a stronger effect and a reciprocal dynamic, demonstrating how intergroup conflict can escalate in tandem toward mutual hostility.

Conflict is an inevitable phenomenon in organizational life and has the potential to greatly affect performance, interpersonal relationships, and institutional sustainability. The complexity of interactions in educational, business, and social environments makes this issue increasingly relevant for in-depth study. This study aims to examine the development of scientific studies on types of conflict and conflict management strategies over the past six years. The main focus of the study is to answer two questions: what types of conflict are most dominant in organizations, and how are conflict resolution strategies applied in various institutional contexts? The research method used is a literature review with the main keyword “types of conflict,” through searches in several scientific databases. From the selection results, five relevant articles were obtained and then analyzed based on research themes and trends. The analysis results show three main findings. First, conflicts within organizations can be classified into intrapersonal, interpersonal, and intergroup conflicts. Second, conflict resolution strategies emphasize the importance of effective communication, collaboration, mediation, and participatory leadership in creating sustainable solutions. Third, ethical and religious dimensions are also important aspects in building fair and harmonious resolutions. This study confirms that effective conflict management requires a multidimensional approach that integrates managerial, psychological, and moral values. Researchers are encouraged to conduct comparative studies between institutions to enrich their understanding of organizational conflict dynamics.

ABSTRACT The concept of narrative can be useful for incorporating a consideration of geopolitical contexts into the psychological study of intergroup conflict and violence. We explore various forms of narratives, including historical narratives, global narratives, narrative templates, clashing narratives, and ideological narratives, and illustrate how accounting for these different forms of narratives in psychological research can enhance its explanatory power by clarifying the interplay between individual and group‐level processes. Paying closer attention to the narratives that shape common sense assumptions calls for increased reflexivity in research questions and awareness of power imbalances structuring geopolitical dynamics. This paper contributes to the emerging field of geopolitical psychology by demonstrating how narratives serve as a critical conceptual tool for understanding intergroup conflict, peace, and reconciliation.