Title: Living in a Genetic World: How Learning About Interethnic Genetic Similarities and Differences affects Peace and Conflict

Description: Information about the degree of one’s genetic overlap with ethnic outgroups has been emphasized in genocides, is frequently learned about through media reporting, and is increasingly being accessed via personal genetic testing services. However, the consequence of learning about whether your own ethnic group is either genetically related to, or genetically distinct from, a disliked ethnic group remains unknown. Across four studies, using diverse samples and contexts, I demonstrate that altering perceptions of genetic overlap between groups in conflict – in this case Arabs and Jews – impacts factors that are directly related to interethnic hostility (e.g., negative attitudes, aggressive behaviors and conflict-related policies). The findings indicate that learning about the genetic difference between oneself and an ethnic outgroup may contribute to the promotion of violence while, conversely, learning about the similarities may be a vital step toward fostering peace in some contexts. Possible interventions and implications are discussed.