Ethnic conflict

Definition

Ethnic conflict refers to violent disputes and tensions between different ethnic groups, often stemming from issues such as competition for resources, historical grievances, or cultural differences. These conflicts can significantly impact governance in developing countries, leading to instability, human rights violations, and hindered economic growth as various groups vie for power and recognition within their nations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ethnic conflicts can arise from longstanding historical grievances between groups, including colonial legacies and territorial disputes.
2. In many developing countries, ethnic conflict can weaken state institutions and disrupt governance, leading to failed states.
3. Economic factors, such as competition for resources like land and water, can exacerbate ethnic tensions and lead to violent confrontations.
4. International intervention is sometimes necessary in cases of severe ethnic conflict to prevent human rights abuses and promote peace.
5. The resolution of ethnic conflicts often requires addressing underlying issues such as inequality, injustice, and the need for inclusive political representation.

Review Questions

• How does ethnic conflict affect governance in developing countries?
  • Ethnic conflict can destabilize governance in developing countries by undermining state authority and creating divisions within society. When different ethnic groups clash over resources or power, it can lead to weakened institutions and hinder the government's ability to function effectively. This chaos can also create a cycle of violence where the state struggles to maintain order, further complicating efforts for development and economic progress.
• What role do historical grievances play in the emergence of ethnic conflict?
  • Historical grievances often serve as a catalyst for ethnic conflict, as they create a narrative of victimization or injustice that fuels resentment among different groups. These grievances can be rooted in past events like colonization, discriminatory policies, or previous conflicts. When these historical issues remain unresolved or are manipulated by political leaders, they can exacerbate tensions and lead to renewed violence between ethnic communities.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of international interventions in resolving ethnic conflicts and promoting stability.
  • International interventions can be effective in resolving ethnic conflicts if approached with sensitivity to local dynamics and an understanding of the underlying issues. Peacekeeping missions may help reduce violence temporarily, but long-term solutions require addressing root causes such as inequality and political exclusion. Success depends on cooperation with local actors and establishing inclusive governance structures that represent all ethnic groups, rather than imposing external solutions that may not resonate with the local context.

Related terms

Nationalism: A political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular nation or ethnic group, often leading to the desire for self-governance or independence.

Civil War: A conflict between factions within the same country, often resulting from deep-seated divisions, including those based on ethnicity.

Genocide: The deliberate and systematic extermination of a particular ethnic or national group, often arising from extreme ethnic conflict.