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Intergroup conflict: origins, dynamics and consequences across taxa.
Carsten K W De Dreu1,2, Zegni Triki3
1Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Summary
Intergroup conflict is common in many species, not just humans. This research models conflict as strategic games, revealing cross-species mechanisms and consequences of competition for resources.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Behavioral Ecology
- Anthropology
- Economics
Background:
- Intergroup conflict and warfare are observed across diverse group-living species, including insects, fish, birds, mammals, and nonhuman primates.
- Understanding the origins and consequences of intergroup conflict is crucial for comprehending social dynamics and resource competition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and organize a theme issue on intergroup conflict across taxa.
- To provide a unified framework for studying intergroup conflict using multi-level game theory.
- To identify cross-species mechanisms and consequences of intergroup conflict.
Main Methods:
- Modeling intergroup conflicts as multi-level games of strategy.
- Analyzing contributions from biology, anthropology, and economics.
- Synthesizing research on within-group dynamics, leadership, and environmental influences.
Main Results:
- Identified common mechanisms and consequences of intergroup conflict across species.
- Demonstrated how within-group heterogeneities and leadership influence group conflict.
- Highlighted the role of climate change and environmental degradation in escalating conflict.
Conclusions:
- Intergroup conflict is a widespread phenomenon with shared underlying principles across taxa.
- Studying intergroup conflict through a strategic game framework offers novel insights.
- Environmental pressures can significantly alter intergroup relations, shifting them towards violent conflict.
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