Factors Causing Ethnic Conflict - Essay Example

Ethnic Conflict Introduction Ethnic conflict is inevitable in today’s societies because modern society is composed of different ethnic groups with different opinions and interests. Ethnic conflicts have become part of international politics throughout history. Ethnic conflict occurs when organized ethnic groups confront each other, or the state institutions (Cordell and Stefan 5). Apparently, some places are more exposed ethnic clashes as opposed to other places. There are many factors that trigger ethnic conflict including political and structural factors, socio-economical, resource and environmental, cultural, and religious factors among others. Arguably, religious composition of a given population is the leading cause of ethnic conflict globally. Ikejiaku (19) posits that most of these factors causing ethnic conflict can be prevented through good and effective leadership. This paper explores ethnic conflict specifically identifying some of the factors causing ethnic conflict and how to enhance reconciliation between the clashing ethnic groups. Conceptual framework Independent variables Aim of the study The main aim of this study is to assess the key factors that determine ethnic conflict. The information gathered from this research will be indispensable in enlightening individuals, the government and other interested parties on ethnicity and ethnic conflict. This will in turn enable the government and societal members to come up with appropriate measures and easy of reducing cases of ethnic conflict. More so, this study will assist other researchers to advance their knowledge on ethnic conflict to be able to develop effective strategies for creating a harmonious society where different ethnic groups can associate and live peacefully without engaging in unnecessary conflicts. Factors determining ethnic conflict Political factors Most states have political institutions that are meant to shape their political aspects. However, when these institutions are incapable of operating effectively, there is a high chance of ethnic related conflicts emerging. Some of the political factors that can be related to ethnic conflicts include discriminatory political instructions, elite politics, exclusionary national ideologies, corruption, and inter-group politics among others (Jourek 5). The emergence of conflict depends on the political system, for instance, authoritarian political systems are more prone to rebellion particularly from the disadvantaged members as compared to democratic system. However, democratic systems do not fully guarantee peace when certain groups have inadequate representation in the government. More so, if a state develops the policy that oppresses some societal groups, the occurrence of conflict is inevitable. Similarly, the nature of the national ideology may lead to internal conflict especially if the ideology does not favor certain societal groups. Furthermore, ethnic conflict is caused by struggles among the powerful elite in times of political and economic turmoil. Again, the issue of corruption is very imperative in many states and it involves the misuse of public funds for selfish needs especially by individuals motivated by political greed. As a result, conflict is bound to emerge especially when some political groups tend to make things better or otherwise (Heitmeyer 198). In addition, foreign interventions may also cause ethnic tensions. For instance, when the international community intervenes in matters concerning the governance, the side that might be opposing the favored group or their leaders may feel shortchanged by such interventions thus bringing in a new form of conflict (Simbowale 105). Such cases are as a result of one group feeling that the other group is favored by the foreigners and they would perceive this a form of discrimination and oppression. Globalization and cultural differences Primarily, ethnic conflict is as a result of globalization bringing many cultures together thereby causing a clash of civilizations. According to Samuel Huntington (25), “conflicts of the future will occur along the cultural fault lines separating civilization”. Notably, as the world becomes more globalized, there are interactions between individuals of different cultures and this in turn leads to the intensification of civilization consciousness. Therefore, the increased civilization consciousness leads to civilizations differences and so the emergence of conflict as well. Other cultural factors considered the source of ethnic conflicts include discrimination against ethnic minorities. If minority groups feel that their interests and opinions are not valued, they will be antagonistic with the majority groups to fight for equal and fair treatment. Belonging to different cultural backgrounds is indeed a major factor that stimulates the occurrence of ethnic clashes in the society. For instance, some Arab countries have dedicated their effort towards fighting individuals who do not belong to their religious affiliation especially Christians (Niemeyer 262). In another dimension, individual differences can cause ethnic conflict. This is attributed to the idea of sense of belonging in many social groups (Gilley 1158). Therefore, a simple argument on issues such as beliefs and practices can elicit argument between toe individuals. As a result, members of either of the two groups may plan for retaliatory attacks on the other group. This is seen as a way of protecting a member of their own who is perceived as their representative. Moreover, boundary conflicts have also been correlated to ethnic clashes. For example, members of one ethnic group may seek refuge to another ethnic group territory due to war. However, this may be seen as a move to take over their land and other resources in the name of seeking refuge thus bringing in conflict between the two groups. Resources and environmental factors Notably, most countries all over the world continue to experience ethnic conflict because the available resources are not properly utilized and also environmental insecurity triggers tension within a country. When a state entirely relies on the primary commodities such as agricultural produce and natural resources, it is more vulnerable to internal violence. Humphreys (510) posits that conflict can be explained by greed or grievances where feelings of ethnic marginalization in that, a certain ethnic group is disadvantaged by another based on the accessibility of available natural resources. Whenever there is a gap between what individuals believe they deserve and what they receive in terms of commodities or economic power, dissatisfied individuals are more likely to come together and revolt. Therefore, economic inequality significantly contributes to violence within the state. Conflict over resources is brought about by greed and scarcity. In regard to greed, the few social and political figures are able to access resources and make use of these resources for their own selfish gain. Conversely, scarcity occurs when the weak societal members are not capable of accessing the available resources. Therefore, scarcity and greed of resources is mainly caused by the increase in population in a given country. More so, those who seize the opportunity to access the resources do not do much than exploit them excessively (Blagonojevic 4). Nevertheless, the environment is intertwined with resources as it becomes the receiving end of resource scarcity and greed. Apparently, when resources become scarce due to the increase in population, there is environmental insecurity. Religion and structural factors The role of religion should also be considered when explaining ethnic conflict. Religion-based conflicts are more violent as compared to others. Ideally, religious grievances and discrimination among other factors greatly contribute to ethnic conflict. The influence that religion has on ethnic conflict is because religion is a way to identify as part of a particular ethnic group. Some of the structural factors leading to ethnic conflict include weak states, intra-state security issues, and ethnic geography (Jourek 4). To begin with, a weak state has no political legitimacy and also lacks strong political institutions that are able to properly exercise control over conflicts. Weak institutions in a country is seen when the country is not able to effectively and peacefully manage the interest of different groups. This in turn will result to instability in the entire system especially when these institutions are incapable of accommodating the increasing demand of various groups (Blagonojevic 15). The weakening state structures may lead to emergence of violent ethnic conflict since in a weak state; ethnic groups tend to claim ore autonomy and independence. Secondly, state security system may also trigger the emergence of ethnic clashes. A weak state is incapable of assuring security to all its members and individuals groups and so these groups will be forced to provide for their own security. In a state characterized by anarchy, individual groups have to provide for their own defense but are unaware of or insensitive to the effect of their actions on other people. Accordingly, ethnic geography also causes ethnic conflict and it is a situation where state with ethnic minorities being more exposed to conflicts than others and some demographics are more problematic as compared to others. Socio-economic factors Some of the social factors creating tension between different ethnic groups in the society include lack of social cohesion, exclusion and marginalization of a certain societal group. Any form of inequality in society will trigger conflict especially when some groups struggle to gain recognition from the dominant group. More so, social ethnic conflict is brought by the lack of social cohesion from various groups of people (Neumayer 278). In addition, the exclusion and marginalization of some communities within states is a reflection of social unfairness experienced by a section of a state in relation to various social aspects including social institutions. Basically, ethnic conflict occurs when there is unequal distribution of social amenities and their marginalization that is related to social political factors like powerful politicians concentrating on making development in their ethnically designed regions and ignoring those region that do not belong to their ethnic communities. Economic problems and discriminatory economic system as well as unequal economic development are the main sources of ethnic conflict (Jourek 5). there are many economic problems that can cause internal conflict including economic stagnation or collapse. More so, a discriminatory economic system where everyone is not favored is also a significant force behind ethnic clashes. Moreover, economic development process can interfere with the social and political system and this will in turn lead to instability and internal conflict (Jourek 5). For instance, unequal economic development in the country may lead to clashes between different ethnic groups. Ethnic conflict resolution Ethnic conflict resolution is necessary and it is easier in democratic countries where only implementation of universal norms of equal rights for everyone is needed. More so, such norms should accommodate the rights of minority groups without any kind of discrimination (Jourek 27). Arguably, democratization process offers a strong foundation for resolving ethnic conflicts. Creating a truly democratic society with responsive political system where individual’s rights are respected and protected accordingly will help remove ethnic tensions and hostilities in the society. Normally, different states deal with internal problems differently, for instance, some states have elaborate mechanisms to protect the rights of different ethnic groups and minorities. Others ignore the existence of minority groups and are therefore not concerned with minority issues (Jourek 29). The international tools such as diplomacy, institution building, and human and minority right monitoring are important in resolving ethnic conflicts. Such tools can be use to ensure that states and minorities interact productively and peacefully (Jourek 34). Conclusion With many deliberations on what determines ethnic conflict, it is apparent that political, cultural and social factors play a great part in fuelling the conflict. Competition and superiority can therefore, be argued to be the main cause of the conflicts. Dominance of one ethnic group elicits anger and the feeling of sidelined thus causing ethnic conflict. In ending these conflicts, there is a need to have a clear understanding of how such factors can be eliminated and improve cohesion and integrations of the involved groups. Works Cited Blagonojevic, Bojana. Causes of Ethnic Conflict: A Conceptual Framework. Journal of Global Change and Governance 3.1 (2009), 1-25. Cordell, Karl, and Stefan Wolff. Ethnic Conflict: Causes, Consequences, Responses. Cambridge: Polity, 2009. Print. Gilley, Bruce. Against The Concept of Ethnic Conflict. Third World Quarterly 25.6 (2004), 1155-1166. Heitmeyer, Wilhelm et al. Intimate Partner Violence. International Journal of Conflict and Violence 4.2(2013), 198-202. Humphreys, Macartan.“Natural Resources, Conflict and Conflict Resolution: Uncovering the Mechanisms.” The Journal of Conflict Resolution 49(2005):508-537. Huntington, Samuel P. “The Clash of Civilizations?” Foreign Affairs 72(1993):22-49. Ikejiaku, Brian-Vincent. The Relationship between Poverty, Conflict and Development. Journal of Sustainable Development 2.1 (2009): 15-28. Jourek, Olga N. Ethno-Political Conflicts In Post-Communist Societies: Prospects for Resolution and Prevention in the Context of International Law. Neumayer, Eric. The Impact of Political Violence on Tourism. Journal of Conflict Resolution 48.2 (2004): 259-281. Simbowale, Tukunbo et al. Ethnic Conflicts in Contemporary Africa: The Nigerian Experience. Journal of Science 12.2 (2006): 101-114. Read More