ABSTRACT
The roots of social psychology are deeply embedded in the study of groups. Psychologists have been both intrigued and perplexed by group behavior. Of all the questions that have been raised about groups, perhaps the most important ones concern intergroup conflict. Why is the existence of a group so often accompanied by conflict with other groups? Why does this conflict and hatred become so deeply engrained that it can persist for generations? No period of history and no corner of the world have been spared tragic consequences from intergroup conflict, and as human ingenuity develops more creative weapons of destruction, the understanding of intergroup conflict takes on increasing urgency.
