The Pitfalls of Ethnicity and Ethnic Conflict

Abstract

Ethnic conflict appears to be a catch-all term, which covers a wide array of different kinds of social and political confrontations. In fact, it may not be appropriate to use the term ‘ethnic conflict’ in all situations currently so described. It is debatable whether the use of the word ‘ethnic’ actually aids the better understanding of the dynamics and underlying forces involved in conflictive situations or, on the contrary, whether the recourse to the presumed ‘ethnic’ identity of the groups and actors in such conflicts contributes more to a blurring of the basic issues. Such problems are often addressed in theoretical discussions, but they must also be dealt with in concrete situations and they have practical implications. Policy alternatives must consider whether ethnicity (that is, the nature and characteristics of ethnic groups and their members) is a factor when the management and possible solution of conflicts is dealt with. Politicians have to decide whether ‘ethnic’ criteria should be incorporated in electoral systems, power-sharing arrangements or the writing of constitutions and the adoption of legislations. The success of economic development strategies may depend on the way their hoped for results will benefit or harm different ethnic communities.KeywordsEthnic GroupEthnic IdentityEthnic CommunityEthnic ConflictTerritorial StateThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.