Beyond social psychological phenomena, material realities and social policies influence individual and intergroup political attitudes and behavior. I am investigating this via 1) Lab in field studies with Syrian refugees and native Turks; 2) Evaluating an RCT of basic income in the United States

Diversity--particularly religious diversity--is often discussed as contributing to intergroup conflict. In cross-cultural field studies, we show that religious people--be they Palestinians, Israelis, Americans, or Fijians--perceive religious belief and God as motivating greater intergroup cooperation, trust, and equality.

How we think about the nature and cause of conflicts shapes prospects for resolution or prolongation of conflict. Conflicts in the Middle East in particular are often framed as stemming from intractable religious or "tribal" enmity. My work with Israelis and Palestinians challenges this portrayal. Further, I show that religious conflict framing causes American perceivers to believe that diplomacy and mediation will not work, and that the U.S. should not devote resources to resolving the conflict.

Social challenges--such as migration and climate change--are increasingly connected. In response to interconnected challenges, both reactionary and transformative coalitions are formed, contested, and negotiated. I investigate the psychological foundations of solidarity, allyship, and coalitions amongst and between members of historically privileged and marginalized groups. My work highlights these relationships as sources of conflict and opportunity, generating insights for cooperation across lines of difference towards common interests and against common threats.

In new work, I am investigating:

How does exposure to conditions of conflict, scarcity, and violence influence time, social, & risk preferences?

How do temporal perceptions support or undermine progress towards racial equality? If people believe that progress will be achieved in a linear fashion with the passing of time--rather than deliberate intervention in unequal systems--how does this influence political behavior, policy orientations, and theories of change?