Ethnic cleansing

Definition

Ethnic cleansing refers to the systematic and intentional removal or extermination of an ethnic or religious group from a particular territory, often through violent means. This term is particularly significant in the context of sectarian rivalries, as it often arises during conflicts where one group seeks to eliminate another, fueled by deep-rooted animosities and power struggles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ethnic cleansing has been observed in various conflicts, including the Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s, where Bosnian Muslims were targeted by Bosnian Serbs.
2. This practice often involves not just killings but also forced removals, destruction of property, and creating conditions that lead to death through starvation or exposure.
3. Governments or groups may justify ethnic cleansing as a means of 'protecting' their own population from perceived threats posed by other ethnic groups.
4. The international community has often struggled to respond effectively to ethnic cleansing due to the political complexities involved in such conflicts.
5. The terms 'ethnic cleansing' and 'genocide' are sometimes used interchangeably, but ethnic cleansing specifically emphasizes the goal of removal rather than extermination.

Review Questions

• How does ethnic cleansing manifest during sectarian conflicts like the Sunni vs. Shia rivalry?
  • During sectarian conflicts such as the Sunni vs. Shia rivalry, ethnic cleansing often manifests through targeted violence against the opposing sect. Both sides may engage in acts aimed at displacing or eliminating the other group from contested areas. This leads to heightened tensions and brutal confrontations that can result in mass atrocities and loss of life, as each side views the other as an existential threat.
• What role does political power play in justifying acts of ethnic cleansing within sectarian conflicts?
  • Political power plays a crucial role in justifying acts of ethnic cleansing within sectarian conflicts by framing the violence as necessary for self-defense or national security. Leaders may manipulate sectarian identities to rally support for aggressive measures against rival groups, portraying them as threats that must be eradicated to preserve their own community's safety and stability. This narrative can mobilize support for violent actions and legitimize horrific practices.
• Evaluate the international response to instances of ethnic cleansing in sectarian conflicts, focusing on effectiveness and challenges.
  • The international response to instances of ethnic cleansing in sectarian conflicts has often been marked by both condemnation and inaction. While there have been efforts by international organizations and governments to intervene and provide humanitarian aid, the complexity of these conflicts frequently hampers effective action. Political interests, the sovereignty of states, and the challenges of coordinating responses across nations complicate intervention efforts. As a result, many victims remain unprotected, and perpetrators face little accountability.

Related terms

genocide: The deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, ethnic, national, or cultural group, with the intent to eliminate that group.

sectarian violence:

Conflicts that arise between different sects within a religion, often leading to acts of violence and discrimination based on sectarian identity.

displacement:

The forced movement of individuals or groups from their home or region, often resulting from conflict, persecution, or natural disasters.