Scapegoat theory of intergroup conflict

The Scapegoat Theory of Intergroup Conflict is an idea about how conflicts between different groups happen. It's based on the idea that when people are upset or angry, they might look for someone or something else to blame for their problems, rather than looking for the real cause or taking responsibility for it themselves. This "scapegoat" can be a particular group of people that the person or people are frustrated with and want to take it out on. When this group becomes the "target" of the person's or group's anger, it can escalate into bigger conflicts, like wars or riots. For example, if one country is having economic problems, the people may end up blaming another country or racial group instead of their own government, and the result may be an all-out war.