6.3 Ethnic Conflict and Nationalism

Ethnic conflict and nationalism shape political landscapes worldwide. From Rwanda's genocide to Catalonia's independence movement, these forces drive tensions between groups and influence national identities. Understanding their causes and impacts is crucial for grasping modern political dynamics.

Resolving ethnic conflicts requires diverse strategies. Power-sharing agreements, reconciliation efforts, and international interventions can help manage tensions. However, challenges persist, as underlying causes and entrenched interests often hinder lasting solutions. Balancing national identity with inclusivity remains a key challenge for many societies.

Ethnic Conflict and Nationalism

Ethnic conflict vs nationalism

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• Ethnic conflict involves disputes or tensions between different ethnic groups within a society or across borders often involving competing claims over resources (water, land), power, or cultural recognition
• Nationalism is a political ideology that emphasizes loyalty, devotion, and identification with a particular nation or ethnic group seeks to promote the interests, culture, and sovereignty of a specific national community (Catalonia, Scotland)
• Ethnic conflict is a specific type of conflict involving ethnic groups (Hutu and Tutsi in Rwanda), while nationalism is a broader ideology that can exist without ethnic conflict (Japanese nationalism)

Causes and impacts of ethnic conflicts

• Historical grievances and unresolved disputes (colonial legacies, border disputes) economic inequalities and competition over resources (oil, minerals) political exclusion and discrimination against minority groups and manipulation of ethnic identities by political elites can all cause ethnic conflicts
• Ethnic conflicts lead to loss of life and displacement of populations (Syrian refugees) destruction of infrastructure and economic disruption erosion of social cohesion and trust between communities and regional instability with potential for spillover effects (Kosovo conflict affecting Albania)
• Examples of ethnic conflicts include the Rwandan genocide (1994) which led to the deaths of over 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus the Yugoslav Wars (1991-2001) that resulted in the breakup of Yugoslavia and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict over competing claims to land and statehood

Nationalism's role in political identity

• Nationalism creates a sense of belonging and solidarity among members of a national community defines the boundaries of political membership and exclusion (citizenship laws) and can be used to justify claims to self-determination and political autonomy (Basque separatism)
• Nationalism provides a powerful basis for collective action and resistance can be used to challenge existing power structures and demand political change (Indian independence movement) and may lead to the formation of nationalist movements and political parties (Scottish National Party)
• Nationalism can fuel ethnic tensions and contribute to the outbreak of conflicts may be used to justify violence and oppression against minority groups (Rohingya in Myanmar) and can hinder efforts at conflict resolution and reconciliation (Cyprus dispute)

Strategies for ethnic conflict resolution

• Institutional arrangements such as power-sharing agreements and consociational democracy (Bosnia and Herzegovina) federalism and regional autonomy (Spain) and proportional representation and minority rights protections can help manage ethnic conflicts
• Peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts include mediation and dialogue processes (Northern Ireland peace process) truth and reconciliation commissions (South Africa) and interfaith and intercommunal initiatives (Rwanda)
• International interventions such as peacekeeping operations and monitoring missions (UNMIK in Kosovo) humanitarian assistance and development aid and sanctions and diplomatic pressure on parties to the conflict (Iran nuclear deal) can help resolve ethnic conflicts
• Challenges and limitations to resolving ethnic conflicts include the difficulty of addressing underlying causes of conflict resistance from entrenched interests and spoilers (Hamas in Israel-Palestine conflict) and limited resources and political will of international actors (UN in Darfur)