In the years following the Cold War, armed conflicts felt distant for many. But with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, war has come closer to Europe, reminding us of its reality. As violence and instability grow, more people are fleeing their homes, seeking safety in European countries. According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, 2 billion people—one quarter of the global population—now live in fragile, violent, or insecure environments. These experiences have profound effects, shaping not just survival, but how people think, feel, and act. How do insecurity, loss, and violence reshape attitudes and behaviors? Does conflict make people more conservative or liberal? Does hardship foster empathy and prosocial behavior, and if so, toward whom? In this talk, we will explore recent research that sheds light on these difficult questions to reveal the often-hidden consequences of war and conflict on individuals and societies.
