Historical Grievances Research Articles

Ethnic Identity and Political Construction: An Anthropological Analysis of Baluchistan’s Struggle for Autonomy in Pakistan

One of the complex issues in Balochistan is the autonomy movement that concerns historical grievances, and social and political phenomena bringing state institutions forefront while contesting Baloch identity. This study aims to present some basics of Baloch identity and its conflict with the state, also considering it as a contribution to academic categories of political anthropology; ethnic politics and identity construction in the Pakistani context. This study delves into the complex realm of ethnic politics and identity formation in Pakistan, examining Balochistan – a distinct marginal province. Developing an in-depth analysis of the historical climate, dynamics within that time and state institutions this research uses political anthropology to understand not only Baloch ethnic identity but also autonomy against Pakistan.

Counterbalancing And Pragmatic Accommodation: CEE Countries Towards Russia’s Expansion, 2014-2021

The purpose of this article is to study the differentiation of CEE countries’ approaches towards Russia’s expansion, and then to identify explanatory variables. CEE policies fit to the balance of power categories, specifically: counterbalancing and accommodation. The method of assessing each CEE country’s policies towards Russia combines gathering information on 2014-2021 activities classified in three groups: bilateral relations with Russia; relations with other NATO countries framed as counterbalancing Russia; relations with Ukraine regarding counterbalancing Russia. The method of explanation for diverse CEE policies consists in assigning quantitative values and applying statistics in order to discover correlations. The result of the first step is placing each CEE country on the axis of relatively pro- (Hungary) and anti-Russian (Lithuania and Poland) policies. The quantitative version of the axis serves as dependent variable in the statistical research which reveals finals results: the strongest correlations are demonstrated by proximity and distance to Russia, which reflects Russia’s closest neighbors’ counterbalancing tendencies. Historical grievances and the size of Russian minorities are second-strongest. However, excluding Hungary, historical grievances become the strongest factor of anti-Russian policies.

Public Health in Peril: Assessing the Impact of Ongoing Conflict in Gaza Strip (Palestine) and Advocating Immediate Action to Halt Atrocities

Background: The protracted Israel-Palestine conflict has once again escalated, resulting in a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza Strip (Palestine). This brief report aims to provide an objective overview of the historical roots of the conflict, its impact on public health, and a call to action to end the ongoing atrocities. Methods: A literature search was conducted on PubMed, focusing on the period after the recent escalation in October 2023. Seven relevant papers were identified, serving as primary sources for this analysis. Results: We begin by presenting an unbiased historical account of the Israel-Palestine conflict and tracing its origins to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This historical context forms the foundation for comprehending the current crisis and the urgent appeal for humanitarian intervention. The escalating violence has placed immense strain on the healthcare system in Gaza Strip (Palestine), resulting in overwhelmed hospitals, critically low medical supplies, and severe hardships for healthcare workers. Furthermore, the civilian population, especially children, bears the brunt of the conflict, with high casualties and long-term trauma. Urgent calls for a ceasefire, protection of civilians, and the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid are emphasized. Finally, the necessity of addressing these issues through an objective academic lens is emphasized to foster a deeper understanding of multifaceted conflict. Conclusion: The catastrophic impact of ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip (Palestine) on public health is undeniable. Immediate action is imperative to halt atrocities, protect civilian lives, and support medical personnel in their life-saving mission. The call for an objective evaluation of the complex factors at play transcends historical grievances and political differences.

High tension between Algeria and Morocco

Relations between Algeria and Morocco have been deteriorating since 2020, raising concerns that a direct conflict may occur. The dispute revolves around historical grievances, differing state visions and the status of Western Sahara, and any conflict would have significant repercussions for stability in North Africa and pose challenges for Western countries in navigating their relationships with both countries.

Kashmir Conflict after Article 370 and 35 A: Challenges and Options for Pakistan

This research explores the complex dynamics of the Kashmir Conflict following the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A by the Indian government on August 5, 2019. The historical roots of the incessant dispute, stemming from the British partition of the Indian Sub-continent, set the stage for ongoing tensions between two regional arch-rivals, Pakistan and India over the region. The revocation of constitutional provisions granting special privileges and autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir presents various challenges for Pakistan. Internal security concerns, diplomatic isolation, humanitarian issues, and economic implications form critical challenges. The options of Pakistan include bilateral talks, diplomatic engagement, humanitarian initiatives, promoting internal reforms, and regional stability. Balancing these challenges and options requires navigating a complex geopolitical and strategic landscape, recognizing historical grievances, and fostering peace and stability in the region.

German-Polish Reconciliation and Sino-Japanese Reconciliation: Comparative Reflections

Certain parallels exist between the perception of Germany in Poland and Japan in China. This similarity was observed by Chinese historian Yinan He. Poland and China associate their neighbouring nations with a negative, bellicose stereotype that harks back to the Second World War. However, this war is perceived as merely the latest incident in a long history of transgressions. Post-war, both countries came under communist rule, further demonising the former enemy. In the 1970s, both China/Japan and Poland/(West) Germany set aside historical grievances in favour of immediate diplomatic normalisation. In the 1980s and 1990s in Poland, this superficial reconciliation evolved into genuine reconciliation, thanks largely to the efforts of the Catholic Church and the joint membership of Poland and a united Germany in NATO and the EU. Concurrently in Japan, but particularly in communist China, practices of elite mythmaking only served to accentuate historical animosities. In East Asia, there appears to be a mutual lack of willingness for true reconciliation and forgiveness

Dynamics of Drivers of Conflict in Water-Related Resource Scarcity: Focus on Lake Turkana Basin of Kenya

Lake Turkana basin, located in Turkana County of Kenya, has become a central point for studying the dynamics of conflicts resulting from water-related resource scarcity. The study sought to identify specific drivers of water use-related resource conflicts in the basin and was anchored on the Negotiation Theory. Historically, the semi-arid and arid regions of the Kenyan borders have experienced perennial conflicts between ethnic groups in the Lake Turkana Basin that revolve around scarce water-related resources on land and in water. Using a descriptive study design, convenience sampling accessed 36 respondents through 36 questionnaires, interview schedules, three focus group discussions (FGDs), and an observation guide. The study findings demonstrate that drivers of conflicts were not just locally domesticated but also had external factors and influences, including dynamics associated with inflammatory political speeches and economic and environmental factors resulting in a harsh climate. Additionally, high illiteracy, with over 45% having only primary school level education, cultural pressures where 75% male domination was observed, ethnic tensions, historical grievances, scarce critical resources which were only concentrated in a few locations, and geopolitical interests of neighbouring countries contributed to conflicts in the region. In conclusion, drivers of conflict must be carefully understood for long-term resolutions. The study limitations included remoteness and lack of infrastructure in the basin. Further research is recommended to establish whether the key drivers could be reversed in their efforts to drive conflicts to manage perennial conflicts. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms are highly recommended for managing these perennial water resource-related conflicts.

THE DYNAMICS OF SUDAN’S ARMED CONFLICT: INTERROGATING THE RELEVANCE OF POWER SHARING ALONG ETHNIC LINES AS A PANACEA FOR PEACE

Sudan has experienced decades of armed conflict marked by ethnic, regional, and political divisions. This study delves into the multifaceted dynamics of Sudan's armed conflict, focusing on the role and relevance of power-sharing agreements as a potential avenue for conflict resolution and sustainable peace. A comprehensive analysis of historical data, including conflict timelines, peace agreements, and socio-political factors, was conducted. The study reveals that Sudan's armed conflict is deeply rooted in historical grievances, economic disparities, and ethnic tensions. Power-sharing agreements have been recurrent features of peace efforts, with varying degrees of success. These agreements often aim to distribute political power among different factions, including rebel groups and the central government. While some have contributed to temporary ceasefires, the sustainability of peace remains challenging due to underlying structural issues and contentious interpretations of power-sharing provisions. The study concludes that the dynamics of Sudan's armed conflict are multifaceted and deeply entrenched, demanding a nuanced approach to peacebuilding. Power-sharing agreements offer a relevant but imperfect mechanism for conflict resolution. For lasting peace, they must be part of a broader strategy that addresses historical grievances and structural inequalities, fostering an inclusive and stable political environment.

Armed Group Rivalry and Its Implications for Post-Accord Peacebuilding and Inclusive Development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh

This study examines the intricate relationship between armed group rivalry, post-agreement peacebuilding, and inclusive development in Bangladesh's Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). Using a qualitative research methodology, the study collects data through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis to investigate the key variables driving armed group rivalry and its consequences for regional peacebuilding and development initiatives. The findings suggest that historical grievances, ethnic divisions, struggle for resources, and political influence are the driving forces for armed group conflict in the CHT. The study also finds the enormous influence of armed group rivalry on the implementation of the 1997 CHT Accord, ongoing peacebuilding efforts, and the region's inclusive growth. The analysis underlines the necessity for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to peacebuilding that addresses the core causes of armed group rivalry, engages all relevant stakeholders, and encourages the full implementation of the 1997 CHT Accord. The study contributes to a greater understanding of the complex interplay between armed group rivalry, peacebuilding, and development in conflict-affected regions by offering policy recommendations to support lasting peace and inclusive development in the CHT. Keywords: Armed group rivalry, Post-accord peacebuilding, Inclusive development, Chittagong Hill Tracts, Conflict resolution, Socioeconomic inequalities and Regional cooperation DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/13-8-03 Publication date: April 30 th 2023

The post-truth discourse and the politics of memory in the contemporary media spaces

This article concerns the emergence, definition, and characteristic of the phenomenon of “post-truth” and how its characteristics are used in connection with historical narratives by various political forces for their own goals. The article’s goal is to identify how historical narratives are used by the spreaders of post-truth for various results in domestic and foreign policy, or, in the case of the post-truth spreader being a contesting politician vying for power, for electoral support. The research utilizes historical-narrative and historical-comparative methods, alongside methods of discourse and content analysis. After reviewing the literature, it is observed that from the point of view of historical politics, the methods of spreading the post-truth pose a tempting prospect of ensuring the ideological unity of the nation (or a part of it). The creation of an ideological and informational climate in which history consisted only of the heroism of "Us" and the various affronts and capture of “our old territories” by "the Other" contributes to internal stability. However, such historical politics, while useful in an “information bubble” in domestic policy, can be easily exposed and deconstructed by the neighboring powers decried as “the Other”, blamed for various historical grievances (in the case of a reigning regime using post-truth historical narratives), or by political rivals debunking false claims (in the case of a contesting political force using such narratives in a democracy). The post-truth relies on charisma and cognitive bias, rather than specific historical knowledge, and can be used to strengthen existing political support, more so than converting others. Post-truth accelerates the involvement of media consumers and the growth of their confidence in the correctness of the ideology. However, regardless of its utilitarian positives for political forces, a choice in favor of post-truth is a voluntary choice in favor of misinformation, anti-intellectualism and deception.

Biculturalism and Historiography in the Era of Neoliberalism: A View from Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract The making of the bicultural state of Aotearoa New Zealand is the product of a distinctive postcolonial and neoliberal late twentieth-century history. In this context, a predominantly anglophone settler state finally responded to decades-long claims about Indigenous dispossession by creating the Treaty of Waitangi Tribunal in 1975, an institution that a decade later took a wide-ranging approach to the investigation of historical grievances. The tribunal produced an alternative historiography that imagined a partnership between Māori and the Crown, not only in the service of evaluating past actions but also with the aim of creating better relations for the future. This article offers a brief account of biculturalism and “treaty partnership” in three overlapping modes: as an emergent and then hegemonic political discourse; as generating a new historiography; and in terms of the reframing and bureaucratization of research practices in Aotearoa New Zealand. In this milieu, research ethics is not simply a matter of interpersonal politics but, in fact, has become a matter of governmentality—that is, of regulating the conduct of researchers as subjects of particular forms of state power.

Threats to Survival: Deterioration of Daily Life and Dignity of Human Beings in North-Eastern Wallagga

This research aims to investigate the issues faced by local communities in the North-Eastern Wallagga region of Ethiopia, such as threats to their survival, declining standards of living, and loss of respect. The study is based on a review of existing literature and development organizations reports. The study found that human rights violations, displacement, and insecurity are prevalent due to political instability, social tensions, economic challenges and historical grievances. As a result, many individuals and families are suffering from trauma, fear, and loss of dignity, as well as limited access to basic resources and services. To address these issues, a comprehensive approach is required that prioritizes the needs and preferences of affected communities, promotes sustainable development, social cohesion, and human rights. The study proposes various recommendations, such as encouraging inter-community dialogue, improving governance and the rule of law, addressing economic challenges, supporting humanitarian assistance efforts, and promoting social justice.

Public Health in Peril: Assessing the Impact of Ongoing Conflict in Gaza Strip (Palestine) and Advocating Immediate Action to Halt Atrocities

Background: The protracted Israel-Palestine conflict has once again escalated, resulting in a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza Strip (Palestine). This brief report aims to provide an objective overview of the historical roots of the conflict, its impact on public health, and a call to action to end the ongoing atrocities. Methods: A literature search was conducted on PubMed, focusing on the period after the recent escalation in October 2023. Seven relevant papers were identified, serving as primary sources for this analysis. Results: We begin by presenting an unbiased historical account of the Israel-Palestine conflict and tracing its origins to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This historical context forms the foundation for comprehending the current crisis and the urgent appeal for humanitarian intervention. The escalating violence has placed immense strain on the healthcare system in Gaza Strip (Palestine), resulting in overwhelmed hospitals, critically low medical supplies, and severe hardships for healthcare workers. Furthermore, the civilian population, especially children, bears the brunt of the conflict, with high casualties and long-term trauma. Urgent calls for a ceasefire, protection of civilians, and the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid are emphasized. Finally, the necessity of addressing these issues through an objective academic lens is emphasized to foster a deeper understanding of multifaceted conflict. Conclusion: The catastrophic impact of ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip (Palestine) on public health is undeniable. Immediate action is imperative to halt atrocities, protect civilian lives, and support medical personnel in their life-saving mission. The call for an objective evaluation of the complex factors at play transcends historical grievances and political differences.

تحديات المصالحة الوطنية في ليبيا بعد عام 2011-2021

Abstract The protests were in Libya in 2011 and began in certain areas and then spread to include all segments of the people on February 17, 2011, The revolution was carried out by the youth who revolted against the regime of dictator Muammar Gaddafi, and with the support of all Libyan society, which was based on belonging to the tribe before belonging to the state and preferred Customs and traditions to civil laws, in particular. After the control of the rebels and the defection of Interior Minister Abdel Fattah Younis from Muammar Gaddafi and his regime, and since the establishment of the National Transitional Council as the sole legitimate representative of the revolution of February 17, 2011, the process of democratic transition began in a new stage that the Libyan people had not witnessed before, and the National Transitional Council was established under the leadership of Mustafa Abdel Jalil In which representatives of the various local councils in the different regions of Libya participate, and differences emerged between the internationally recognized government resulting from the democratically elected House of Representatives, and armed groups outside the government’s authority, which negatively affected national reconciliation in Libya. For the success of the national reconciliation process in Libya, real actors should be present at the negotiating table, militia leaders, tribal leaders, political leaders and army representatives in the former regime, as well as disarmament and the integration of fighters into society, and state institutions should be supported by supporting transitional justice institutions, applying the principles of fairness to victims, and not employing eradication (Isolation Law political) towards revenge, and dismantling social and historical grievances.

The Effects of Covid-19 Emergency Aid on UN Reputation—Evidence From Syria, Yemen, and Sudan

This article explores the effects of United Nations (UN) emergency Covid-19 aid on its organizational reputation in the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region—the prominent aid recipient under this scheme. MENA states are traditionally critical of the UN, perceiving it as a representative of Western and colonial order. We argue that Covid-19 presented an opportunity to reinforce UN regional reputation, despite historical grievances. We perform an original online two-stage survey among 667 social media users in the three most funded MENA states—Syria, Yemen, and Sudan, where reliable data are particularly difficult to attain. The results demonstrate how long-term positive perception of the UN improved over time, enhancing UN reputation.

Performing the meanings of money in the trials of war orphans against Japan

Utilitarian accounts of monetary disputes hinge on too limited an understanding of the nature of money. This limitation is particularly salient when it is applied to studying the disputes regarding compensation in historical grievance litigations. This article, based on in-depth interviews with 40 “war orphans,” Japanese citizens who were left behind in China after Japan’s surrender in 1945, shows how parties primarily disagree on the question of “What for?” and not “How much?” We argue that the disputes centered around the meaning of the money offered by the Japanese government. We identify three types of “money acts” through which money is demanded and justified, labeled and categorized, divided and distributed. The lingering resentment felt by the war orphans can only be made sense of by attending to the meaning dimension of this legal-cum-political dispute that lasted for a decade.

Participatory processes and the evolution of environmental agendas in estuary restoration: the Maketū case

ABSTRACT The article analyses participatory processes in estuary restoration in Maketū on the East Coast of the North Island to examine how evolving relational dynamics amongst key stakeholders and Māori led to the achievement of a collective environmental imaginary. The case, marked by a history of conflict over the diversion of the Kaituna River and resulting estuary degradation, led to a focussed period of community engagement between 2006 and 2009 which established a collective intention to restore the ecological health of the estuary. Ongoing community engagement has been a feature of restoration project design and implementation. In examining this case, we draw on the concept of imaginaries, referring to shared visions of desirable futures, to explore how ‘imaginaries of process’ and ‘imaginaries of outcome’ played out among a heterogeneous set of stakeholders and Indigenous actors. We undertake a discourse analysis of relevant documents and of interviews and focus groups with 25 participants to demonstrate how inclusive participatory processes were used as a technique to resolve estuary degradation, address historical grievance between Māori, the community and local authorities, and reset the governance and management relationships between these actors.

Kenyan NFD Muslim Communities: The Painful Past and Pending Justice

The political history of Muslim minorities in the world is one of the emerging areas in the Muslim world’s contemporary issues that need to be addressed. This research examines the political history of Muslim communities in Kenya’s former Northern Frontier District (NFD), which was part of Somali Jubaland but annexed to Kenya Colony by British authorities in 1925, and the challenges they confronted during British colony (1895-1963); in terms of isolation measures, political marginalization and disregarding the 1962 referendum which expressed their will to unite with Somalia. Furthermore, the study discloses the harder difficulties that encountered NFD natives after Kenya independence in 1963; which appeared through the Shifta War (1963-1967), human rights violations, chronic marginalization and pending justice over historical grievances. The research will contribute to discovering the political and social history of Muslim communities in NFD and its impact on the current situation of former NFD’s residents in Kenya towards gaining a long-lasting stability in Kenya.

Why African Americans Do Not Rebel? How Hierarchic Integration Prevents Rebellion

Why African Americans do not rebel? Why is there no armed insurrection of African Americans across the USA, especially in cities and states where they make up almost half of the population? In many parts of the world, ethnic, racial, and religious groups that are much smaller in size, much less disadvantaged socioeconomically and politically, and with relatively fewer historical grievances than African Americans, launched armed insurrections that lasted for decades. The quiescence of African Americans is a momentous puzzle if one subscribes to grievance-based theories of violent ethnic insurgencies (e.g., Gurr 1970). There are more than 40 million African Americans in the USA, which makes them a more populous ethnic group or a potential nation than any Eastern European nation in the European Union. Yet, approximately 40 million African Americans, despite their high level of collective consciousness and multifaceted grievances, did not produce as much armed insurgency as less than three million Basques in Spain have, to expand a comparison Manuel Vogt (4) briefly alludes to. What accounts for this dramatic difference?

Foreign Occupation and Support for International Cooperation

AbstractA growing literature investigates how historical state repression affects later political outcomes, but little attention has been given to whether violence during foreign occupation affects support for international cooperation. This article investigates this issue by analyzing the 1972 Danish referendum on membership in the European Economic Community (eec)—an organization seen at the time as being dominated by Germany. The analysis shows that municipalities that experienced more German-inflicted violence during the German occupation of Denmark (1940–1945) in World War II had a higher rate of no votes in this referendum. This effect seems to have worked through increased support for Danish far-left parties that were associated with the Danish resistance movement and that actively used anti-German sentiment in their campaigns against eec membership. The results suggest that foreign-inflicted violence can be a substantial hindrance for popular support for international cooperation and that political parties play an important role in translating historical grievances into mass political behavior.