1. World problems
  2. Ethnic conflict

Ethnic conflict

  • Violence against ethnic minorities
  • Minority unrest
  • Ethnic tensions
  • Inter-communal ethnic violence
  • Ethnic killings
  • Ethnic feuding

Nature

Conflict of a physical nature or in the form of overt discrimination on ethnic grounds (which may be interpreted to include racial, religious, linguistic or national dimensions). Ethnic conflict may be caused by cultural invasion and a lack of assimilation, maintaining ethnic and social differences and discrimination, by social inequality and by exploitation. Ethnic conflict is constantly exacerbated by mass poverty, limited access to resources, denial of human rights, lack of national integration and issues of international peace and security. It is at once the instrument of national integration and the darkhorse of internal disharmony and discord. Strikes, boycotts and other forms of disruption by minority groups in nations where there are a large number of different ethnic or minority groups threatens the stability of the nation. The national government is faced with the choice of ignoring the unrest which can result in the escalation of disruption and the discrediting of the party in power. It could use force to suppress the turmoil. In this case the source of the turmoil may go underground. In any case the disruption of the larger society by minorities is a detriment to the whole nation.

Background

Ethnic conflict emerged as a recognized global issue in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the disintegration of empires and the rise of nationalist movements. Its significance intensified after World War II, as decolonization and the redrawing of borders exposed deep-seated ethnic tensions. The post-Cold War era further highlighted its complexity, with high-profile conflicts in Rwanda, the Balkans, and elsewhere prompting international concern and scholarly analysis of its underlying causes.This information has been generated by artificial intelligence.

Incidence

Ethnic battlefields are found in the former Soviet Union, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia, and in the USA, Sri Lanka, Burma, Northern Ireland, Spain, South Africa and elsewhere. Fewer than 10 of the 165 nation states of the world are ethnically homogenous, the rest are potential ethnic powder kegs.

The tension between Gypsies and Slovaks has increased due to reports in the Slovak media on the situation following the flash floods in Jarovnice in June 1998. In the flooded communities, the mayors' co-ordinated aid and soldiers helped to clear away the damage. Approximately 600 Roma from Jarovnice lost their homes and had to be accommodated in military tents. Humanitarian aid, in particular drinking water, preserved foodstuffs, sanitary products, fabric, shoes and children toys were brought in by a number of Slovak as well as Czech foundations. The Roma, according to the press and television, only reluctantly and unwillingly helped in clearing away the damage and were waiting apathetically for a help from the state. According to the media, the Roma not only didn't want to work, but they were drinking their state benefits away in the pub, burning or selling the clothing they received from humanitarian aid, and when they realised that those who lost their property and roof over their heads would receive financial compensation from the state, they started to destroy what still remained of their homes. The other inhabitants accused the authorities of concentrating aid only on the Gypsies.

Claim

Ethnic conflict is a devastating and urgent global crisis that tears societies apart, fuels violence, and destroys countless innocent lives. Ignoring this problem perpetuates injustice, deepens divisions, and undermines peace and development everywhere. We cannot afford to turn a blind eye—addressing ethnic conflict must be a top priority for governments, organizations, and individuals alike. The future of humanity depends on our commitment to confronting and resolving this grave issue.This information has been generated by artificial intelligence.

Counter-claim

Ethnic conflict is vastly overblown as a problem in today’s world. Most societies are increasingly multicultural and peaceful, with people coexisting harmoniously. Media sensationalism exaggerates isolated incidents, making it seem like ethnic tensions are everywhere. In reality, economic and technological issues are far more pressing. Focusing on ethnic conflict distracts from real progress and undermines the unity that already exists in modern communities. It simply isn’t the urgent problem some claim it to be.This information has been generated by artificial intelligence.

Broader

Social conflict
Presentable
Aggression
Presentable

Narrower

Racial conflict
Unpresentable

Aggravates

Revenge
Presentable
Ethnocide
Presentable
Ethnic cleansing
Presentable
Civil war
Presentable

Aggravated by

Slavery
Excellent
Hero worship
Excellent
Colonialism
Excellent
Tribalism
Presentable
Caste system
Presentable
Ethnic prejudice
Unpresentable
Ethnic hatred
Unpresentable

Reduces

Reduced by

Revolution
Presentable

Related

Class conflict
Presentable
Sectarian violence
Unpresentable

Strategy

Feuding
Yet to rate

Value

Tension
Yet to rate
Feud
Yet to rate
Killing
Yet to rate
Violence
Yet to rate
Conflict
Yet to rate
Unrest
Yet to rate

Reference

Web link

SDG

Sustainable Development Goal #3: Good Health and Well-beingSustainable Development Goal #11: Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesSustainable Development Goal #15: Life on LandSustainable Development Goal #16: Peace and Justice Strong Institutions

Metadata

Database
World problems
Type
(C) Cross-sectoral problems
Biological classification
N/A
Subject
Content quality
Presentable
 Presentable
Language
English
1A4N
C3685
DOCID
11336850
D7NID
132709
Editing link
Official link
Last update
May 20, 2022