Abstract
This article examines the complexity of cross-cultural racial interactions, highlighting the psychological, social and cultural factors that shape relationships between individuals belonging to distinct racial groups. Grounded in theoretical frameworks such as racial identity, implicit bias, and stereotype threat, the analysis seeks to understand how past experiences, socio-cultural norms, and internalized representations influence perceptions and behaviors in interracial contexts. The paper emphasizes the ambivalent nature of such interactions: depending on the specific context and the quality of contact, they may lead either to prejudice reduction and increased empathy or to the reinforcement of existing tensions and stereotypes. Through a critical review of relevant empirical research, the article proposes practical directions for improving intergroup relations, including structured intergroup dialogue, cooperative interdependence, and the promotion of an authentic multicultural framework. The findings support the importance of sustained, intentional and reflective contact in fostering social cohesion and racial equity.