Ethnic conflict occurs when two or more ethnic groups engage in disputes where ethnic identity becomes the central organizing principle. These conflicts can arise from various sources including competition for resources, political power, or historical grievances, but what makes them ethnic conflicts is that the groups mobilize along ethnic lines.
The core participants in ethnic conflict are two or more distinct ethnic groups. Each group typically shares a common cultural identity, ancestry, language, and traditions. These shared characteristics create strong group solidarity and a sense of belonging that distinguishes one group from another.
Ethnic conflicts have multiple underlying causes. While ethnic identity is the mobilizing factor, the root causes often include political power struggles, economic competition for jobs and resources, disputes over territory, historical grievances between groups, and social discrimination. These various factors can combine and reinforce each other, making ethnic conflicts particularly complex.
Ethnic conflicts can manifest across a wide spectrum of intensity. At the lower end, we see political disagreements and social discrimination. As tensions escalate, conflicts may involve economic boycotts, protests, and demonstrations. At the most severe end, ethnic conflicts can lead to widespread violence, warfare, ethnic cleansing, and even genocide.
In summary, ethnic conflict is a complex phenomenon characterized by ethnic identity as the primary mobilizing factor, multiple underlying causes ranging from political to economic issues, various manifestations from discrimination to violence, and complex group dynamics rooted in history and culture. Understanding these key characteristics is essential for developing effective approaches to conflict prevention and resolution.