Identity and ideological change after conflict

To what extent is identity reified by conflict or can it change and bring post-conflict peace? During the conflict, secessionist groups make ethnic claims and promote ethnic differences. However, we know little about the long-term consequences of the use of ethnic claims during conflicts and the satisfaction of these demands. This research studies the aftermath of an ethno-territorial conflict in Aceh, Indonesia, characterized by atrocities against the local people, and where a peace agreement was signed in 2005 between the Indonesian government and the rebel group GAM (Free Aceh Movement). I use a range of experiments in an original survey in Aceh to examine long-term effects of identity claims during conflict. I find that appeals to an exclusive identity are rejected and the retrospective support for those who fought for these concessions does not apply to the present. We know a lot about why regions return to conflict after secessionist wars, yet we know little about those that remain at peace. The findings have implications for post-conflict management.