Ethnic conflict

Definition

Ethnic conflict refers to disputes and tensions between different ethnic groups, often arising from issues of identity, resources, power, or historical grievances. These conflicts can lead to violence, civil wars, and significant humanitarian crises, and are frequently tied to the formation of new states, the processes of decolonization, and the legacy of imperialism in various regions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ethnic conflict often emerges in newly formed states where historical grievances and competition for resources can exacerbate tensions.
2. Decolonization has frequently resulted in ethnic conflicts as former colonial powers left behind artificial borders that did not align with ethnic divisions.
3. Imperialism in regions like Southeast Asia established hierarchies among ethnic groups that can lead to long-standing resentments and conflicts.
4. Ethnic conflicts can escalate into larger-scale violence, including civil wars and genocides, particularly when fueled by nationalist movements.
5. International intervention in ethnic conflicts is often controversial and can complicate existing tensions rather than resolve them.

Review Questions

• How do historical grievances contribute to ethnic conflict in newly formed states?
  • Historical grievances play a significant role in ethnic conflict within newly formed states by bringing past injustices to the forefront. When new nations are created, they often incorporate diverse ethnic groups that have competing claims to territory or resources. This can revive old animosities, leading to violence as groups vie for power and recognition. Additionally, the lack of a unifying national identity can exacerbate these tensions, making conflict more likely.
• Analyze the impact of colonial borders on ethnic conflict during the process of decolonization.
  • Colonial borders often ignored existing ethnic and cultural divisions, grouping rival communities within the same political boundaries. As nations gained independence during decolonization, these arbitrary borders frequently led to power struggles among different ethnic groups. The resulting conflicts were driven by competition for control over the state and its resources, which often escalated into violent confrontations and civil wars as groups sought autonomy or dominance in their newly independent states.
• Evaluate how imperialism shaped the social hierarchies among ethnic groups in Southeast Asia and contributed to contemporary ethnic conflicts.
  • Imperialism in Southeast Asia established social hierarchies that privileged certain ethnic groups over others, creating deep-seated divisions that persist today. Colonial authorities often favored specific communities for administrative roles or economic opportunities, leading to resentment among marginalized groups. After independence, these historical inequalities have been difficult to rectify, contributing to ongoing ethnic conflicts as disadvantaged groups seek recognition and redress for past injustices while competing for political power and resources.

Related terms

Nationalism:

A political ideology that emphasizes the interests of a particular nation, often leading to the desire for independence or self-governance among ethnic groups.

Genocide: The deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, ethnic, national, or cultural group, often occurring during intense ethnic conflicts.

Civil War:

A war between groups within the same country or state, often fueled by ethnic divisions and competing claims to power.