Diversity and Conflict

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Political Science
• Anthropology

Background:

• Societal conflicts are often attributed to ethnic fractionalization or polarization.
• The role of interpersonal population diversity in conflict emergence and severity requires further empirical investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To empirically test the hypothesis that interpersonal population diversity, rather than ethnic fractionalization, is pivotal to intrasocietal conflicts.
• To examine the long-term impact of ancient population diversity on contemporary civil conflicts.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing an exogenous source of variation in population diversity rooted in early human migration patterns.
• Analyzing the correlation between population diversity (both national and within ethnic groups) and the incidence and intensity of civil conflicts.

Main Results:

• Interpersonal population diversity significantly contributes to the risk and intensity of historical and contemporary civil conflicts.
• Population diversity's impact on diversity within ethnic groups is a key factor in conflict.
• Findings suggest diversity contributes to societal non-cohesiveness, mistrust, and divergent policy preferences.

Conclusions:

• Interpersonal population diversity is a more significant driver of intrasocietal conflict than ethnic fractionalization or polarization.
• Ancient patterns of population diversity continue to influence modern conflict dynamics.
• Addressing societal non-cohesiveness stemming from diversity is crucial for conflict prevention.