Causality and characteristics Ethnic violence

there variety of potential causes ethnic violence. research new england complex systems institute has shown violence results when ethnic groups partially mixed: neither separated enough reduce contact nor thoroughly mixed enough build common bonds. according dr. may lim, researcher affiliated necsi, violence occurs when group large enough impose cultural norms on public spaces, not large enough prevent norms being broken. occurs in places boundaries between ethnic or cultural groups unclear.

this theory states minimum requirement ethnic tensions result in ethnic violence on systemic level heterogeneous society , lack of power prevent them fighting. in ethnic conflicts erupted after end of cold war, lack of outer controls seen cause; since there no longer strong centralized power (in form of ussr) control various ethnic groups, had provide defense themselves. implies once ethnicity established, there needs strong distinctions, otherwise violence inevitable.

another theory supports general feeling of lack of security can cause ethnic violence, when paired proximity other ethnic groups. can lead distrust of other ethnic groups, leads unwillingness peacefully coexist other ethnic groups.

the emotions tend cause ethnic tensions, can lead ethnic violence, fear, hate, resentment, , rage. individual identities might change throughout years, strong emotional issues can lead desire fulfill needs above other concerns. strong desire satisfy individual needs, without harming own group, can have violent results.

assuming ethnic groups can defined group of people band protect material goods, while satisfying need feel part of group, violence resulting ethnicity can result of violation of either of these. however, requires there no peaceful solution.

another theory states ethnic violence result of past tensions. referring other ethnic group based solely on previous offences tends increase probability of future violence. referenced in literature on ethnic violence tends focus on areas have had history of ethnic violence, instead of comparing them areas have had peaceful ethnic relations.

ethnic violence not exist in same conditions in every example. 1 case of ethnic violence might result in drawn out genocide, might result in race riot. different issues lead different levels of intensity of violence. problem comes down issues of group security. in situations offensive , defensive actions indistinguishable outsiders, , offensive actions more effective in insuring group survival, violence sure present , harsh. view of ethnic violence placed risk in areas members of ethnic groups feel insecure future, not result of emotional tensions.

ethnic violence occurs result of individual domestic disputes spiralling out of control large scale conflicts. when individual disputes occur between 2 members of different ethnic groups, can either result in peace or result in further violence. peace more when offended person feels offender punished sufficiently in own ethnic group. or peace achieved through fear of greater ethnic violence. if either belief of retribution or fear of violence not present, ethnic violence may occur.

ethnic violence being particularly violent, there numerous theories preventing it, or once starts, ending it. yaneer bar-yam of new england complex systems institute suggests either clear boundaries or thorough mixing can reduce violence, citing switzerland example.

unfortunately, poorly planned separations not lead peace among ethnic groups. religious separation between india , pakistan left large heterogenous areas in india violence has since occurred.

the united states presented classic melting pot of ethnicities. ethnic tensions in united states more typically viewed in terms of race.

using media change perceptions of ethnicity might lead change in probability of ethnic violence. use of media results in ethnic violence cyclical relationship; 1 group increases messages of group cohesion in response perceived threat, , neighboring group responds messages of own group cohesion. of course, happens when outside groups perceived being potential threats. using logic, ethnic violence might prevented decreasing messages of group cohesion, while increasing messages of safety , solidarity members of other ethnic groups.

outside forces may effective in decreasing likelihood of ethnic violence. however, not interferences outside forces may helpful. if not handled delicately, possibility might increase. outside groups can stabilize danger zones imposing gentle economic sanctions, develop more representative political institutions allow minority voices heard, , encourage respect of ethnically diverse communities , minorities. however, if done incorrectly, outside interference can cause nationalistic lash-back.