How can war and shared memories strengthen an ethnic group’s identity?

War and shared memories are among the most significant factors that strengthen an ethnic group’s identity and cohesion.1

War acts as a powerful catalyst for identity formation through the following mechanisms:

• Collective Experience: The history of common efforts, shared sacrifices for a unified goal, and the collective memory of human suffering forge deep, enduring connections among group members.1
• Existential Stakes: Because ethnic conflict often challenges the very existence of a group, it can transform identity from a static concept into a dynamic, mobilized force.1
• Narrative Preservation: Shared memories and historical experiences provide the "underlying core" of meaning necessary to move individuals toward collective action. When these narratives are preserved—such as through mass literacy, which allows cultural and historical stories to be stored and disseminated—they ensure that the group's identity remains resilient and can be revived even after periods of dormancy.1

It is essential to recognize that while these factors can foster solidarity, they are also frequently linked to the mobilization of groups for political struggle and, in extreme cases, the justification of atrocities. Promoting peaceful coexistence requires addressing the underlying inequalities and grievances that often drive these conflicts.1