This blog analyses the role of psychosocial group dynamics in negotiations at UN Climate Conferences, based on participant observation at COP28 and interviews with negotiators. It examines how formal and informal negotiation settings shape communication, emotional dynamics, and power relations, using the metaphor of “warriors and heroes” to describe defensive and cooperative negotiation styles. The authors argue that the quality of negotiation outcomes is closely linked to the quality of interaction and call for improved facilitation, group-dynamic competence, and relationship-building formats to support more inclusive, trust-based, and effective climate negotiations—particularly for less-resourced delegations.