Interethnic Conflict Research Articles

Demographic pressure as a factor in inter-ethnic conflicts: evidence from Colombia

ABSTRACT This article explores the link between demographic pressure and inter-ethnic conflicts. Relying on a mixed-methods approach applied to the paradigmatic case of the Cauca region of Colombia, we argue that demographic pressure can play an important role in explaining a recent wave of conflicts between indigenous, mestizo peasant and Afro-Colombian communities. We find that increasing population density within indigenous territories (resguardos) increases the probability of conflict, and that this effect is most acute in resguardos with limited agricultural area. We also describe the complexities of claims and strategies linked to these conflicts and the impact on social relationships and livelihoods. We advocate for a more holistic understanding of land struggles, one that moves the discussion beyond territorial recognition for indigenous peoples and engages with the multiple challenges ethnic communities are facing, including demographic pressure, land scarcity, environmental fragility and endemic poverty and marginalization.

Foreign migrants in the Moscow agglomeration: spatial and temporal analysis based on data from mobile operators

The article analyzes the modern ethnic landscape of the Moscow agglomeration on the basis of data from mobile operators. The estimation of the number of foreign migrants and its monthly dynamics from October 2021 to October 2022 is made. The main areas of residence of foreigners have been identified, the ethnic diversity of municipalities has been assessed, and the main types of settlement pattern of national-ethnic communities have been identified. The study showed that the total number of foreign migrants in the agglomeration reaches 1.8 million people or 9% of the total population, remaining almost unchanged in spite of events of 2022, including the special military operation. The share of foreigners is minimal in ZATO (below 3%), it is also insignificant in the far suburbs of Moscow and in expensive districts of the capital city. At the same time, the threshold of 17% (the so-called “boiling point”, reflecting a sharp increase in the risks of interethnic conflicts and ghettoization of urban space) was overcome by 8 municipalities in the agglomeration. The two most noticeable areas of increased concentration of foreign migrants are identified in the south-east at the junction of Moscow and Moscow region (Lublino – Kotelniki) and in New Moscow (Mosrentgen – Sosenskoye). The calculation of the Ekkel ethnic mosaic index confirmed the presence of pronounced interethnic contact zones here. Increased index values were also noted in most central and southwest districts of Moscow, which, with a smaller proportion of foreigners living, are associated with a high density of offices, diplomatic institutions and universities. Three types of settlement patterns of national-ethnic groups of migrants, determined by the adaptive capabilities of ethnic communities, were revealed. Diffuse and relatively uniform settlement pattern is characteristic for both the most massive ethnic groups (citizens of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan) and the most culturally close to the local population (citizens of Ukraine and Belarus). Concentric settlement pattern (in residential areas of Moscow and satellite cities) is typical for relatively large ethnic groups coming from post-Soviet countries (citizens of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia). The local settlement pattern is typical for small ethnic communities that gravitate to specific districts of the capital city.

Types of Socio-Cultural Practices that Affect Inter-Ethnic Conflict in Narok County, Kenya

In Kenya, inter-ethnic conflicts have caused irreversible damages to people and their assets, and to the nation’s cohesive fabric. There have been several roots for interethnic conflicts, and one of them has been socio-cultural practices. Such practices are different in each generation and between various different ethnic groups. Despite this occurrence, limited studies have researched on the types of socio-cultural practices and inter-ethnic conflicts. Hence, this study investigated several types of socio-cultural practices, and the way they sway inter-ethnical conflicts in Narok county. The research employed a cross-sectional survey approach conducted in Narok, focusing on adult residents categorized into security agencies, village elders, nyumba kumi elders, and the general public as the target demographic. The County was divided into constituencies and wards for sampling purposes using purposive sampling. Purposive sampling was used to select the security agencies, as well as village elders and nyumba kumi elders. The general public were picked by systematic random sampling. The tools utilized to get data were, questionnaires and interview schedule. Quantitative data underwent analysis using descriptive statistics. Specifically, frequency distributions were predominantly employed to synopsize the outcomes, aiding in the interpretation and presentation of the findings. Qualitative data, on the other hand, underwent thematic analysis. Both qualitative and quantitative data were triangulated to offer comprehensive depictions of the main discoveries. The study found that, there are four types of socio-cultural practices: Promoting ethnic identities, upholding cultural belief systems, promotion of indigenous knowledge and passing downwards historical grievances. And together they affect inter-ethnic conflicts in Narok county. The study concluded that, the government should as a matter of fact and necessity have refined national values and incorporate them into our national security development strategy in order to have stability which is a pre-requisite for our national development. From the forgoing, cultural values if harnessed can be a vital tool for development strategy. The study recommended that, there should be efforts to counter the types of socio-cultural practices like promoting ethnic identities that heighten inter-ethnic conflicts, and strengthen the ones that can decrease in inter-ethnic conflicts like promoting socio-cultural exchange programs so as to attain the noble environment for the community and citizens.

Факторы, осуществляющие обеспечение этнополитической безопасности России

The presented scientific work focuses on examining a number of key factors that can significantly impact the provision of ethnopolitical security in Russia. This study raises several issues regarding the current state of ethnopolitical security in the country, as well as the role and place of technological progress, which exerts a substantial influence on modern society, including the sphere of ensuring the country’s ethnopolitical security. In the context of Russia, this issue becomes particularly relevant given its multinational composition and the diversity of ethnic groups. The introduction of innovative approaches and technologies to address the challenges of ensuring ethnopolitical security in Russia may contribute to more effective management of interethnic conflicts, prevention of tensions, and the maintenance of stability within the country. Ethnopolitical security is one of the key components of national security, since ethnic conflicts and contradictions can destabilize the political system and lead to social upheavals. In the context of a multinational state, such as Russia, ensuring ethnopolitical security becomes a matter of paramount importance, requiring in-depth scientific analysis and the development of effective strategies.

Inter-Ethnic Conflicts Between the Hadiya and Halaba of Ethiopia: Major Factors, Resolution Mechanisms and Current Trends

Inter-Ethnic Conflicts Between the Hadiya and Halaba of Ethiopia: Major Factors, Resolution Mechanisms and Current Trends

AN EVALUATION OF THE KOSOVO CRISIS AND NATO INTERVENTION USING THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF REALISM (NEO-CLASSICAL REALISM)

Concerning the inter-ethnic wars and conflicts that occurred in the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY), one of the longest and most critical was the inter-ethnic conflict between the Albanians of Kosovo and the Serbs. Particularly, the most prominent humanitarian crisis that this paper will deal with refers to the period of 1998- 1999. Both; The Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) and the Armed Forces of the government of Serbia might be classified in the ranks of “defensive realism”. The KLA was struggling to protect the Albanian civilian population from the Milosevic regime, whereas Serbia was committed to preserving and attaining its national security. In addition to this, there stands the principle of the security dilemma, since the KLA was declared a terrorist organization by the state organs at that time. On the other hand, NATO's intervention in Kosovo, even though being missioned for the protection of human values, additionally aimed for its geopolitical and hegemonic strategies in the world of anarchic international political system. Yet, in the theory of international relations, this might be classified as a structure of offensive realism. The main purpose of this article is to investigate the position of realism claiming that; the exclusive monopoly in the use of power belongs to states. In addition, this study aims to unfold the criticisms that realism uses against any foreign interference in domestic affairs. Yet, states are major actors in the anarchic global system that possesses a sole monopoly towards their people and sovereignty. Any kind of domestic disturbances and intervention from abroad is strongly condemned and violates the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other sovereign states.

Foreign Migrants in the Moscow Agglomeration: Spatio-Temporal Analysis Based on Mobile Network Operator Data

Using mobile network operator data, the study analyzes the modern ethnic landscape of the Moscow agglomeration formed by foreign migrants. Their total number and monthly dynamics from October 2021 to October 2022 were analyzed. Foreigners’ main areas of residence were identified, the ethnic diversity of municipalities was assessed, and the main types of settlement pattern of national-ethnic communities were identified. The study showed that the total number of foreign migrants in the agglomeration reaches 1.8 mln people, or 9% of the total population, remaining almost unchanged against the backdrop of the events of 2022, including the special military operation. The share of foreigners is minimal in closed administrative-territorial units (below 3%), and it is also small in the remote parts of Moscow Region, as well as in expensive areas of the capital. At the same time, eight municipalities in the agglomeration have crossed the 17% mark, the so-called tipping point, reflecting a sharp increase in the risks of interethnic conflicts and ghettoization of the urban space. The two most noticeable areas of increased concentration of foreign migrants have been identified in the southeast at the junction of Moscow and Moscow oblast (Lublino–Kotelniki) and in New Moscow (Mosrentgen–Sosenskoe). Calculation of the Ekkel’ ethnic mosaic index has confirmed the presence of pronounced interethnic contact zones here. Elevated index values were also noted in most areas of the center and southwest of the capital, which, with a lower share of foreign residents, is associated with a high density of office buildings, diplomatic institutions, and universities. Analysis of the settlement patterns of national-ethnic groups of migrants revealed three types determined in accordance with the adaptive capabilities of ethnic communities. A diffuse, relatively uniform settlement pattern is characteristic of both the largest ethnic groups (citizens of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan) and those most culturally close to the local population (immigrants from Ukraine and Belarus). A concentric settlement pattern (in residential areas of Moscow and satellite cities) is typical of relatively large ethnic groups from post-Soviet countries (citizens of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia). The local type is characteristic of small ethnic communities that gravitate towards certain areas of the capital.

Suspecting Change in Cameroon: Slums Improvement and the Logics of Belonging in Yaoundé

Abstract Based on an ethnographic storytelling research, this article analyses the tensions surrounding the land tenure measures of the Participatory Slum Upgrading Programme (PSUP) in a slum of Yaoundé. The aim of the programme was to make sure that the property owners residing near roads and those in swampy areas renovate their houses failure to which would make them rent the newly renovated houses ‘of their own’ by PSUP. The article shows that this measure failed, not because of the failure of the government or the intrinsic opposition of the inhabitants to change, but because the PSUP indirectly attacked the land relations and the logics of belonging. This led to latent tensions in the form of suspicious relations between ‘autochthons’ and ‘allogenic’ inhabitants, suspecting each other of ‘malicious’ intentions. This economy of suspicion spreads by attacking the state promoters of the PSUP who were accused of plotting an invasion of the area for the benefit of specific groups and communities. The aim of this paper is therefore twofold. On the one hand, against the idealistic trend that insists on the peaceful nature of development mechanisms, it shows that conflicts are inherent in any process of social change. On the other hand, contrary to studies that consider land and inter-ethnic conflicts as essentially marked by brutal and physical violence, it shows that there are forms of insidious violence that accompany the processes of change in land regularisation.

Peculiarities and ways of resolving the military-political conflict

The purpose of the article is to analyse the causes of the war that spread across the entire territory of Ukraine in February 2022. The main purpose of the study is to substantiate the essence of international economic and political conflicts, as well as scientific and theoretical approaches to resolving the political conflict that is the root cause of the russian-Ukrainian war. Various methods were used in the research, including the comparative-historical method, the method of source analysis, as well as induction, deduction, synthesis and analysis. This made it possible to gain a deeper understanding of the essence of political and political-economic conflict, as well as to divide political-economic conflicts into conflicts of values, interests, and identification, determining their essential causes. An armed conflict that turns into a war is the most dangerous form of political conflict, as it causes a transition to destructive actions on the territory of the country, involves the involvement of a large number of participants and significant losses among the military and the civilian population. The historical and modern reality in Ukraine since 2014 is characterized by the presence of political and armed conflicts that arose as a result of serious contradictions that were not resolved within the framework of the post-Soviet system. It is because of this that armed, political, economic and inter-ethnic conflicts became more frequent in the 21st century. For a long time, domestic science believed that state power and politics were aimed at finding a balance of the interests of seizing natural, energy and human resources, which was supposed to completely eliminate the conflict. However, the authorities of Ukraine did not cope with the invasion of certain territories, which has been going on for more than eight years. The article analyzes the prerequisites and nature of a full-scale invasion of the territory of Ukraine as a political conflict, and suggests key ways to resolve it. The conclusion states that Ukraine's accession to the EU and NATO is a significant prospect for ensuring future guarantees of peace and protection against further or new invasion of the Russian Federation on our territory.

Discovering neighbors: the regional migration experience as a source of intergroup contact

ABSTRACT Contact Theory suggests that interaction across ethnic lines can erode prejudices and lessen interethnic conflict. Hypotheses drawn from the theory have a mixed empirical record, however, with negative results commonly attributed to the presence or absence of conditions that mediate contact’s effects. Analyzing survey data collected in the Balkans, we test Contact Theory’s observable implications using a case that offers unique theoretical leverage: Albanian attitudes toward Greeks. It is an especially appropriate case due to the historical isolation of Albanians from their Greek neighbors, as well as the elite-level cultivation of anti-Greek prejudice that took place during that period. And it is an especially tough test for Contact Theory due to the presence of multiple circumstances thought to weaken (if not reverse) the estimated benefits from contact. Nevertheless, our results largely support Contact Theory. Albanian respondents who’ve personally met at least one Greek feel more warmly toward the group than those who have not, and that warmth tends to be greatest among Albanians who spent time living in Greece. The benefits of contact do not appear, however, among those who consider Greeks to be a national-security threat, supporting the belief that ideological or instrumental motives can neutralize contact’s ameliorative effects.

Preconditions and causes of inter-ethnic conflicts in Central Asia

Central Asia's ethnic diversity presents both opportunities and challenges for sus-tainable development. While cultural richness can foster social cohesion, ethnic inequalities and tensions can impede progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. This study aims to analyse the main factors contributing to inter-ethnic conflicts in the region, examining their impact on stability and propos-ing measures to promote inclusive development and multicultural coexistence. Utilizing comparative, case study, statistical, and analytical methods, the research explores the complex interplay of ethnic diversity, territorial disputes, economic factors, and political instability as preconditions and causes of inter-ethnic con-flicts. The Central Asian region is characterised by a significant diversity of ethnic groups, each of which has its own unique cultural, religious, and historical features. This creates a potential field for inter-ethnic tensions and conflicts. The results of research in this area underline the need for in-depth analyses of specific conflicts and the development of measures to resolve and prevent inter-ethnic conflicts in Central Asia. Effective management of these preconditions and causes can con-tribute to maintaining peace and stability in the region. The study examines recent inter-ethnic conflicts that have occurred in the territory of Central Asia. The practi-cal significance of this research lies in its potential to inform strategies for conflict prevention, peace-building, and the promotion of multicultural coexistence. By addressing ethnic inequalities and fostering inclusive development, Central Asian nations can create an enabling environment for sustainable growth.

Interethnic relations: a methodology for studying interethnic interactio

The movement of Kazakhstani society towards a new quality of life along the path of development of world civilization is impossible without internal stability and consolidation, preservation and strengthening of inter-ethnic harmony at all levels of relations. The scientific research is focused on the study of interethnic interac-tion, prevention of interethnic conflicts in Kazakhstan and their prevention through institutional regulation mechanisms, which in our opinion is one of the most effective ways to form tolerant attitudes, values of soli-darity and mutual respect. In conditions of continuing social and cultural distance, uneven and unstable eco-nomic development, disproportionate composition of ethnic groups, increasing marginalization of society, it becomes an important task to maintain and strengthen peaceful integration processes, create and preserve harmonious relations between representatives of various ethnic groups and ethnic communities. The problem of interethnic relations is the sphere of scientific interests of various sciences, schools and directions. Inter-ethnic relations are considered as a system in which a set of elements with different shares can be, on the one hand, united, but at the same time opposed to each other. This is a complex social process, including intercul-tural and interethnic communications, cooperation in the field of interethnic relations. When analyzing the sphere of interethnic relations, the focus is on the actions, courses of action, and behavior of people of differ-ent nationalities, with special importance given to attitudes and values that reflect the facts of consciousness of interethnic interaction and communication.

THE STRUGGLE FOR TRUTH: UNVEILING EFFORTS TO DISCREDIT THE HISTORY AND STABILITY OF KOSOVO

This paper examines three cases of espionage arrests in Kosovo, involving two Serbian individuals and two Albanians linked to the Serbian Information and Security Agency (BIA). The aim of these spies was to discredit the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), alter the narrative of the Reçak massacre, create a “yellow house” similar to the one in northern Albania, and destabilize the state of Kosovo by inciting interethnic conflicts. Through the analysis of specific cases and motivation theories, this paper sheds light on the reasons why individuals engage in espionage against their own country, Serbia’s efforts to manipulate the history and stability of the region and the tendencies to invade Kosovo.

The problem of identification in Ch. N. Adichie’s “Half of a Yellow Sun”

The article deals with the novel “Half of a Yellow Sun” (2006) by the African-American writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The writer shows different components of the identification process in the modern multicultural world. The main historical event of the novel is the Civil War of 1967-1970, which took place due to political and ethnic struggle. It was caused by numerous attempts by the southeastern provinces of Nigeria to secede and form the Republic of Biafra. The novel shows how the interethnic conflict between the Hausa and Igbo peoples, and later the war, influence not only the fate of the characters, but also the peculiarities of their identification process. This process is represented by three components: ethnic, national and gender. Kainene and Odenigbo, whose ethnicity is formed and recognized with the emergence of a new republic, feel, first, not as Nigerians, but as Igbos. Therefore, they take an active part in the Civil War. British interest in the war is shown through the characters of Susan and Richard who demonstrate typical colonial attitudes towards Africans. However, Richard’s interest in African culture contributes to the process of realizing the ethnic identity of Ugwu who chooses a member of the African community for his role model. Olanna, representing a new generation of Nigerian women, destroys the traditional forms of gender relations in Nigerian reality.

The evolution of Political thought in Central Asia: challenges and prospects for Kazakhstan

Central Asia, with its rich history and multinational composition, remains a key region in terms of geopolitics and national security for Kazakhstan. The evolution of political thought in this region has a direct impact on internal and external political processes. This article examines the evolution of political thought and the main challenges faced by Central Asia, as well as the prospects for cooperation to ensure the national security of Kazakhstan. The authors analyze the variety of challenges faced by the countries of the region, including religious radicalism, interethnic conflicts and geopolitical dynamics of cooperation with other states. The changes in the political environment of Central Asia after the change of political regimes in some countries are analyzed. The article emphasizes the need for an in-depth analysis of political processes to ensure stability and national security in the region.

Профилактика межнациональных конфликтов в современном воинском коллективе

The content of interethnic conflicts and the process of their prevention is revealed. The interethnic conflict in the social groups of military personnel is revealed as a type of social conflict that determines the growth of contradictions of values and interests, mutual misunderstanding of cultural priorities, hostility, inconsistency of service and labor behavior, conditions, as well as actions. It is proved that interethnic conflicts in the military team are the result of the deterioration of the level of interethnic culture of communication of military personnel. At the same time, the prevention of interethnic conflicts is the result of the targeted construction of the culture of interethnic communication of military actors. The latter can manifest itself both at the superficial level (characterized by the degree of understanding and assimilation in the consciousness of the peculiarities of various ethnic groups: the presence of necessary ideas, ethnic values, rules, as well as the norms of interethnic communication of military personnel), and at the practical service-labor level (the level of effectiveness of the practices of service implementation of interethnic communication). It is proved that the prevention of interethnic conflicts is the result of the project actions aimed at the formation of the effective culture of interethnic communication, as a result of which the conditions preventing the occurrence of ethnic conflicts among military personnel are created. The prevention of ethnic conflicts through political design determines the process of removing the conditions for the growth of tension, eliminating objective socio-cultural contradictions in the system of interethnic relations. It defines systemic transformations aimed at a temporary homeostatic conflict-free state of the modern military collective.

Ethnic stereotypes and prejudices of modern Russian youth

The article examines the theoretical foundations of the analysis of ethnic stereotypes and prejudices that have developed in modern sociological and socio-psychological science. The patterns of this phenomenon characteristic of modern society are highlighted. The results of the authors’ own empirical study of ethnic stereotypes and prejudices of modern Russian youth are presented that made it possible to identify the regional specificity of the manifestation of this phenomenon among Perm youth and to compared it with the Moscow youth. The specificity was identified according to behavioural (behaviour in the process of interethnic conflict; existence of interpersonal relationships with representatives of another ethnic group; orientation towards a certain type of relationship with representatives of another ethnic group), cognitive (knowledge about representatives of their own and other ethnic groups; trust in services provided by representatives of different ethnic groups and by migrants; trust in representatives of different ethnic groups) and emotional parameters (emotional attitude to the culture and traditions of another ethnic group; emotional attitude to interethnic conflict). The main factors influencing the formation of ethnic stereotypes and prejudices among Perm and Moscow youth are clarified. These results can be used for further study of regional characteristics of interethnic relations and ethnic stereotypes, prejudices, their dynamics and effective interaction of ethnophors as well as to optimise the process of interethnic relations.

SOCIAL ADAPTATION OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS UNDER MARTIAL LAW AS A SCIENTIFIC PROBLEM

The article deals with the problems of social adaptation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ukraine and their impact on the socio-economic development of the country. Provides a theoretical analysis of approaches to the study of the phenomenon of social adaptation of internally displaced persons in the works of domestic and foreign authors. Successful adaptation contributes to achieving the necessary ethical balance between migrants and the host country. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ukraine who have adequately undergone acculturation will be able to avoid the inclusion of protective mechanisms of the psyche and prevent interethnic conflicts. The article also says what factors influence the successful adaptation of internally displaced persons in a new country and what obstacles arise. The article makes an important contribution to the understanding and improvement of social protection and support systems for internally displaced persons, especially in the context of military conflict. An additional focus is placed on social programs aimed at psychosocial support and reintegration, helping to restore normal life and stabilize the emotional state of affected persons.

‘One country, two narratives’ of China as a nation: comparing Chinese history education in mainland China and Hong Kong

ABSTRACT This study explores the narration of China as a nation in history education in two regions – mainland China and Hong Kong – that share cultural roots but different socio-political contexts. Inductive analysis of data from junior-secondary Chinese history textbooks used in the regions in the late 2010s revealed that whereas mainland China’s textbooks constructed China as a nation by stressing its constitutive territory and ethnic inclusiveness, Hong Kong’s highlighted its constitutive ethnicity and changing territory, more frequently and directly narrated interethnic conflicts, and more explicitly promoted Han superiority. The study proposes constructing the nation in history education as a contextualised and socio-political exercise of reinterpreting the past to reflect current contexts and needs.

THE RIVALRY OF REGIONAL AND NON-REGIONAL ACTORS IN CENTRAL ASIA IN THE CONTEXT OF THE CONCEPT OF EURASIANISM

The purpose of this research paper is to study Central Asia in the geopolitical space of Eurasia and the influence of extra-regional actors in the context of the “big game”. As a result of modern global political and socio-economic transformations in Russian science, forgotten ideas are being renewed, which marked the guidelines for the further development of the state, aimed at combating global challenges of our time, preventing interfaith and interethnic conflicts, uniting peoples, preserving national and territorial unity, and creating a vast and strong state. After the cold War, cultural geopolitical concepts were reinterpreted. Among them was the concept of Eurasianism, which has deep historical roots for the peoples of the region, including Central Asia in the context of the “Big Game” in Eurasia. The authors concluded that after the collapse of the USSR, the geopolitical situation in Central Asia underwent drastic changes. The importance of this region is reflected in the geopolitical theories of various world scientists, including the classics of geopolitics, including the concept of Eurasianism. The existing contradictions in the region and the struggle between the great powers for leadership are shaping global and regional instability in Central Asia.