Identity is a primary driver of both inter- and intra-state conflicts. It is not a static construct but a fluid and complex interplay of memory, perception, and experience. Memory shapes identity, and in turn, identity fuels action. This dynamic is especially evident in violent, organized conflicts, where narratives of identity often become rallying cries. Understanding the cognitive dimensions of identity is essential to addressing the root causes of conflict and instability. What are the main cognitive variables we must understand in order to make sense of conflict?