In societies emerging from conflict, the grievances that fuel extremist behaviour often persist long after violence subsides – sustained by weakened institutions, disrupted social fabrics and entrenched perceptions of threat. In these fragile settings, the psychological underpinnings of intergroup hostility become especially consequential, shaping not only how groups remember harm but also how they imagine the possibility of coexistence.
This policy brief distils insights from social‑psychological research to explain how group identity, identity fusion, collective emotions and social cohesion influence both extremist actions and willingness to reconcile. Drawing on a critical review of evidence, the authors highlight key psychosocial factors that shape behaviour in post‑conflict contexts and outline practical, evidence‑informed recommendations for policymakers seeking to foster reconciliation between antagonistic groups. By unpacking how the same underlying processes can drive both violence and peace, the brief offers guidance for designing interventions that strengthen trust, build collective efficacy and avoid simplistic assumptions about the relationship between extremism and forgiveness.