Written by an international team of renowned scholars, this volume addresses the multitude of factors that may lead to the deadly breakdown of ethnic relations. The book: draws on real-world case studies, such as Rwanda, Sudan, and the Second Palestinian Intifada; brings together original contributions and theoretical perspectives by a team of experts in psychology and related disciplines such as sociology and political science; identifies events and processes that can break down inhibitions against violence, and lead to mass killings and genocide; and, examines explanations that must be considered in making sense of past acts, and offers suggestions for interventions to prevent future repetitions.