Research
The purpose of this project is to study the linkage between ethnic conflict in fragile states and horizontal inequalities, or group-level inequalities in the social, economic, cultural or political spheres. Recent scholarship has demonstrated that economic and political inequalities are major factors contributing to political instability and conflict. Nevertheless, how inequalities between ethnic groups affect conflict processes in fragile countries remains poorly understood. This lack of clarity has limited the ability of researchers to provide evidence-based policy recommendations to address inequalities between groups and promote inclusion, in view of reducing the risk of possibly violent conflict. Thus, as part of its scientific activities, this research project aims to address this knowledge gap by investigating the mechanisms underpinning the relationship between horizontal inequalities and conflict.
In this line, partner institutions of the R4D project have organized their research in three distinct integrative themes: (a) ethnic mobilization, (b) perceived and objective grievances, and (c) natural resources and grievances. Below, we detail the objectives of each of these integrative topics and highlight some of the state-of-the-art research produced as part of the R4D project.
ETHNIC MOBILIZATION
Numerous studies have shown that the risk of ethnic conflict increases because of the overlapping of political and economic inequalities and ethnic cleavages. Yet, the processes underpinning group mobilization and collective action remain unclear. Attempting to close this gap, we study how these processes of group mobilization and collective action are dependent on the degree of ethnic movement cohesion, as well as state policies in response to ethnic claim-making. Thus, this integrative theme examines how ethnic movements are forged and challenge the state.
By Manuel Vogt, external pageInternational Studies Quarterlycall_made
This article investigates how indigenous movements in Latin America promote the political inclusion of historically marginalized indigenous groups. The analysis finds that indigenous groups with well-organized and strong social movements are more likely to achieve inclusion in executive positions of state power. This effect is, however, dependent on two key conditions: the degree of political opening of the system and the presence of factionalism within indigenous movements.
PERCEIVED AND OBJECTIVE INEQUALITIES
This topic tackles a fundamental question, namely the relationship between objectively measured inequalities and subjective perceptions of marginalization. In general, existing studies on horizontal inequality and conflict make the implicit assumption that objective measures of inequalities and their perceptions are consistent. Yet, few scholars have attempted to test this assumption. We therefore explore how the political status of an ethnic group mediates the way objective horizontal inequalities are perceived.
By Hamid E. Ali, Mesfin Gebremichael, Simon Hug and Madhushree Sekher, working paper
This paper investigates whether, and how, objective and perceived inequalities are related with the help of large-N analyses, as well as insights from field research in India and Ethiopia. It improves on the existing literature by utilizing more sophisticated measures of inequalities. In general, the findings obtained from both quantitative and qualitative research suggest that the association between objective and perceived inequalities appears less straightforward than submitted and contain frequent misperceptions.
By Hamid E. Ali and Mohammad Abdul Hay Issa, working paper [in Arabic]
Based on data from nine ethnic groups in Sudan, this study investigates the role of perceived and objective inequalities in fueling conflict in Sudan. The results indicate that the presence of perceived and objective inequalities appears greater among those groups that suffered from conflict compared to those unaffected. Among the former, the findings show a correlation between perceived and objective inequality and that both factors hold a powerful psychological role in producing and fueling conflict in these areas.
NATURAL RESOURCES AND GRIEVANCES
Natural resources maintain a prominent role in conflict processes. Yet, the role of resources in influencing inequalities and grievances has been neglected by most theories linking resource abundance to internal conflict. By considering specifically how natural resources affect inequalities, this integrative theme examines the impact of natural resources on the emergence of resentments. We investigate two potential mechanisms: how resource exploitation affects grievances within peripheral ethnic groups, and how they influence the quality of governance within state institutions.
By Robby Kapesa, Jacob Mwitwa and D.C. Chikumbi, external pageSouthern African Peace and Security Studiescall_made
This paper investigates the impact of new mining concessions on local livelihoods and the conflicts they have triggered in Zambia. The results show that the current conflict surrounding mining in Zambia centers on the inequitable distribution of risks, impacts, and benefits. The lack of benefits from mining provided to the local people lies at the very heart of the significant challenges stemming from mining in Zambia. The role of civil society groups in empowering communities, managing conflict within or among them, and integrating the development needs of local people with mining companies' concerns remains imperative for any solution to Zambia’s conflict.
By Hamid E. Ali, Lars-Erik Cederman and Simon Hug, working paper
This paper investigates the relationship between natural resource rents and ethnic political inclusion. The results reveal that most natural resource rents--particularly oil and coal rents--decrease the probability of ethnic inclusion in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and the sub-Saharan countries, yet these same rents tend to increase the probability of ethnic inclusion in the OECD countries. Furthermore, natural-resource rents can sustain state institutions that favor dominant ethnic groups and marginalize the powerless, a trend particularly prevalent in MENA and sub-Saharan countries. Thus, this correlation indicates that institutional reform remains paramount for correcting the mechanisms of resource distribution and ethnic inclusion.