ethnic conflict

Ethnic ConflictSeptember 21, 2010

PS 212

Globalization and Ethnic ConflictGlobalization allows problems from one area

to spill over into another area.

Can weaken ethnic identities (exposed to different ideas, behavior, material goods.

Economic globalization can give ethnic groups with an education advantage over another group.

Ethnic Conflict and End of Cold WarIncreased attentions since end of Cold War

Many conflicts developed independently of the East-West rivalry but were held in check by superpowers

Extremely difficult to contain to one country

Ethnic diversity does not automatically result in violence or conflict.

Ethnicity and Ethnic IdentityEthnicity, tribalism, and nationalism often

used interchangeably.Tribalism (outdated term).Preferred term for groups is Ethnic Group

(How to determine?)Identity: conception of the self ; social

attributes of particular individuals shaped by many social, cultural, economic and political factors

Ethnic pluralism

Causes of Ethnic ConflictAncient Hatreds?Rarely about just ethnicityPolitical undertonesStereotypes: US vs THEMCompetition for resourcesModernization?Weak political institutionsDemocratizationProliferation of automatic weapons

Costs of Ethnic ConflictPoor get poorerThousands or Millions of DeathsLand Mines (1 death every 22 minutes)Economic CostsCannot DemocratizeRefugees and spillover effectEnvironmental DestructionWorsened Drug Problems

Ethnic Conflicts in AfricaContinent most consumed by ethnic conflict.

Ethnic Conflict in AfricaNigeria

Why so much violence? Biafra Islamic Law

Liberia Americo-Liberians Cycle of Violence

The Sudan What’s the Problem? What’s being done?

Rwanda Tutsi vs. Hutus European Influence Turn around fair play?

Ethnic Conflicts in AsiaIndia

Religious differencesPartition: Ali Jinnah (Muslim League/Pakistan)Jawaharlal Nehru (Secular India)Sikhs and Golden TempleAssassination of Indira GandhiMurders and Rapes of Christians

ChinaChina

The Xinjiang Province and the Uighur SeparatistsUighurs are Muslim, territorybecame part of China in 1949Han-93% of PopulationTibetSuppression of Religion.Migration of Han ChineseLoss of Culture1 million deaths

Sri Lanka Sri Lanka

Complex society Colonial influence Sinhala govt. declared Sinhala the language and Buddhism the religion. Denied Tamils jobs & Education 1983 Targeting of Tamils Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga peace deal (fell through) EU listed LTTE as terrorist org. in 2006 May 2009 End of Civil War

Resolving Ethnic ConflictsMost groups have needs met as country

develops economicallyDemocratic societies offer groups a chance to

form coalitionsDisparities brought about by economic

growth may fuel ethnic conflicts. Redraw borders?Power-Sharing arrangementsFederalism.