Ethnic conflict

Understanding Ethnic Conflict

  • Ethnic conflict refers to disputes between groups who identify themselves, and are identified by others, as different due to ethnic affiliations.
  • This can occur in societies where ethnicity holds a strong sense of a person’s identity, and having a different ethnicity may cause one to be considered as an ‘outsider’ or ‘other’.
  • Ethnic conflict can also be deeply rooted in historical grievances, discriminatory practices, or cultural misunderstandings that have been perpetuated and passed down through generations.
  • Ethnic conflict can vary in intensity and can manifest in non-violent ways like discrimination and bias, or erupt into violent conflict, war and even genocide.

Contributing Factors to Ethnic Conflict

  • A significant driver of ethnic conflict can be competition over resources. When resources are scarce, tension between ethnic communities could arise as they compete for these limited resources.
  • Political manipulation could also contribute to ethnic conflict. Leaders might exploit ethnic differences to retain a hold on power, to compete for political advantage, or to divert attention from other social and economic issues.
  • Socioeconomic inequalities within and between ethnic groups can fuel conflict. Perceived or actual inequality in opportunity and access to resources can stoke resentment and inter-ethnic tension.
  • Feelings of marginalisation or exclusion based on one’s ethnic identity can lead to frustration, resentment, and ultimately, conflict.

Resolving and Preventing Ethnic Conflict

  • One approach to resolving ethnic conflict is through inter-group communication and understanding to address cultural misunderstandings and promote tolerance.
  • Equitable resource distribution can help to reduce potential conflict by improving socio-economic conditions and reducing the need for competitive behaviour.
  • Government policies can play a crucial role in preventing ethnic conflict by promoting social cohesion and integration, and discouraging discrimination and exclusion.
  • International organisations, like the United Nations, can intervene in severe cases of ethnic conflict by implementing peacekeeping missions and mediating negotiations between conflicting parties.