Research shows that the end of armed conflict does not instantly end the war in the minds of societies. Even after violence stops, psychological, economic, political and cultural effects persist, creating a "transitional period" marked by collective trauma, distrust and anxiety. Rebuilding social capital and public trust is essential; without it, societies risk polarisation, rumors and renewed tensions.
The struggle over collective memory also shapes post‑war narratives, as seen in Germany after World War II and Northern Ireland. Communities experience collective fatigue, heightened sensitivity to news and rumors, and demand a genuine return to normal life beyond superficial fixes. Experts argue that restoring public confidence is often more critical than physical reconstruction, especially in countries like Iran that hover between an old order and an emerging one, facing psychological wounds, institutional erosion, political legitimacy crises and economic collapse.