Notes on Global Issues of Ethnic Conflict and Change

Global Issues of Ethnic Conflict and Change

Introduction

• Societies worldwide have become increasingly ethnically diverse over the last fifty years.
• Countries with histories of absorbing various ethnic groups (e.g., U.S., Canada) are more heterogeneous.
• This chapter discusses two main trends:
  • Proliferation of ethnic diversity
  • Resurgence of ethnic nationalism
• Both trends contribute to a rise in ethnic conflict and change.

The Global Expansion of Ethnic Diversity

Shifting Patterns of Immigration

• Global migration shifted in the 1950s from Europe-centered to an international migration framework.
• Major immigration streams:
  1. From Latin America and the Caribbean to the U.S., Canada, and Western Europe.
  2. From South and East Asia to the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Western Europe.
  3. From North Africa, the Middle East, and southern Europe to Northwestern Europe.
• This pattern is driven by economic opportunities and political conflicts, with a significant portion of the global population living outside their country of origin.

Causes of Increased Immigration

• Uneven Development: Economic disparity drives migration from poorer countries to wealthier ones.
  • Economic push factors from less developed countries (post-colonization) spur migration due to the inability to support growing populations.
  • Some developing countries (e.g., India) have become appealing destinations for skilled workers.
• Political Conflict: Wars and political instability cause mass migrations of refugees, such as those from civil wars in various countries.

Effects of Immigration on Ethnic Change in Western Europe

Immigration Trends

• Post-World War II immigration from Southern Europe and former colonies transformed Western Europe from largely homogeneous to multiethnic.
• Significant immigrant communities established, largely viewed as temporary workers who often settled permanently.

Problems of Integration

• Initially seen as guest workers; immigrants have faced social marginalization and have often been marginalized economically.
• Many immigrants (especially in Germany) struggled to gain citizenship due to ancestry-based laws, while others faced systematic prejudices.
• High unemployment rates and low-paying jobs are common among minority ethnic groups.

Prejudice and Discrimination

• Immigrants face high levels of prejudice due to the lack of experience in integrating large ethnic populations.
• Anti-immigrant sentiments often lead to violence, especially against vulnerable communities like North Africans in France.

Ethnic Nationalism and Conflict: Case Studies

Rwandan Genocide

• Historical Background: Complex interplay of colonialism created ethnic divisions between Hutus and Tutsis.
• Genocide Overview: Triggered by the assassination of President Habyarimana; resulted in the systematic murder of 800,000 to 1 million Tutsis and moderate Hutus over a few months.
• Role of Ideology: Propaganda dehumanized Tutsis, leading ordinary citizens to partake in violence.

Breakdown of Yugoslavia

• Corporate Pluralism: Attempted to maintain peace among diverse ethnic groups but unravelled post-Tito.
• Conflict Overview: Civil wars based on historical grievances between Serbs, Croats, and Muslims led to ethnic cleansing and significant loss of life.
• Ethnic Nationalism’s Role: Re-emergent nationalism and divisive propaganda created an atmosphere of distrust and violent conflict.

Northern Ireland: Enduring Division

• Context of Conflict: Rooted in historical grievances between Protestants (British loyalists) and Catholics (Irish nationalists) since the partition of Ireland.
• The Troubles: Extended violence resulted in roughly 4,000 deaths but has seen a recent push toward peace with significant political changes.

Key Factors Leading to Ethnic Conflict

• Inequalities in Power and Wealth: Resource competition fuels ethnic rivalry; perceptions of inequality can escalate conflicts.
• Cultural Differences: Fundamental cultural disparities can generate resentment and conflict.
• Political Imbalance: Disproportionate power held by one group often leads to grievances from minorities.
• Racial/Ethnic Ideologies: Beliefs about out-groups rationalize and legitimize oppression, justifying violent actions and discrimination.

Conclusion

• The global shift toward increasing ethnic diversity and nationalism indicates that ethnic conflicts will likely continue or intensify.
• Ethnic conflict management, rather than elimination, is crucial for multi-ethnic societies.
• Political and socio-economic inequalities persist, requiring ongoing efforts for equitable solutions.