How do episodes of intergroup violence affect political opinions toward outgroup members? Recent studies offer
divergent answers. Some suggest violence deepens antagonism and reduces support for compromise, while others
contend it encourages moderation and concessions to prevent further conflict. We argue that violence can fuel both
hostility toward the outgroup and acceptance of outgroup objectives and provide evidence from a unique survey of
1,380 respondents implemented by the authors in greater Khartoum in Sudan in 2010 and 2011. We find that
Northerners who experienced rioting by Southerners in Khartoum in 2005 were more likely to support Southern
independence but less likely to support citizenship for Southerners remaining in the North. In combination, these
results suggest that political violence hardens negative intergroup attitudes and makes individuals willing to
concede separation to avoid living alongside outgroup members.