Ethnic tensions

Definition

Ethnic tensions refer to the conflicts and hostilities that arise between different ethnic groups within a society, often fueled by historical grievances, competition for resources, or political power struggles. These tensions can lead to violence, discrimination, and a breakdown of social cohesion, significantly impacting nation-building efforts and political stability, particularly in regions marked by diverse populations and colonial legacies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ethnic tensions can escalate into large-scale violence or civil wars, particularly in multi-ethnic societies where historical grievances are present.
2. In many post-colonial states, the arbitrary borders drawn during colonial times ignored ethnic divisions, leading to increased tensions after independence.
3. The rise of nationalism often exacerbates ethnic tensions as groups strive for autonomy or dominance in the face of perceived threats from rival ethnic communities.
4. Governments may exploit ethnic tensions for political gain, using scapegoating or fostering division to distract from internal issues or consolidate power.
5. International involvement can either mitigate or exacerbate ethnic tensions, as foreign powers may support specific groups based on strategic interests.

Review Questions

• How do historical grievances contribute to ethnic tensions in multi-ethnic societies?
  • Historical grievances often create deep-seated resentments between different ethnic groups that persist over generations. For instance, past injustices such as colonization, forced migrations, or discriminatory policies can lead to feelings of marginalization and hostility. These unresolved issues can be reignited during times of political instability or economic hardship, further escalating ethnic tensions as groups compete for resources and power.
• Discuss how colonial legacies have influenced the development of ethnic tensions in newly independent nations.
  • Colonial legacies have left many newly independent nations with arbitrary borders that do not reflect the complex social and ethnic realities on the ground. This disregard for existing ethnic boundaries has often led to the marginalization of certain groups and heightened competition among others. As a result, the struggle for political representation and resource allocation can become fraught with tension, as these groups vie for control in a newly formed national identity that may not encompass all communities.
• Evaluate the role of nationalism in both mitigating and exacerbating ethnic tensions within states.
  • Nationalism can play a dual role in relation to ethnic tensions. On one hand, it can foster unity and collective identity among members of a dominant group, promoting a sense of belonging. However, this same nationalism can marginalize minority groups who may feel excluded from the national narrative. In situations where national identity is tightly intertwined with a specific ethnicity, it can lead to increased exclusionary practices and violence against those perceived as 'outsiders,' thereby intensifying existing ethnic tensions.

Related terms

Nationalism: A political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular nation, often leading to the desire for self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign state.

Colonial Legacy: The long-lasting impacts of colonial rule on former colonies, including economic structures, political boundaries, and social divisions that often contribute to ethnic tensions.

Self-determination: The right of peoples to determine their own political status and pursue their own economic, social, and cultural development, often a key demand in nationalist movements.