Ethnic Conflict and State Building

Abstract

Widespread ethnic conflict since the end of the Cold War has generated great concern from academics and policymakers. They seek to understand the causes of ethnic conflict so that they may develop policies that prevent it from occurring or stop it where it is ongoing. This chapter explores the contribution the Evolutionary Model makes toward an understanding of the causes of ethnic conflict.1 I argue that evolutionary theory allows us to understand its origins. It explains two behaviors—xenophobia and ethnocentrism—that contribute to ethnic conflict. I explain the evolutionary foundation for each behavior and the implications for policymakers. Understanding the evolutionary origins of ethnic conflict permits the creation of more effective policies aimed at preventing and stopping ethnic conflict. After this discussion, I explain briefly how my argument permits more effective state-building policies to be developed. The thrust of this argument is that, when the international community has the opportunity to form states, they should be created with great sensitivity to the ethnic composition of the population.