Understanding the essence of ethnic conflict: a thematic literature review

Abstract

Although, there is a vast amount of literature on ethnic conflict produced in recent decades, there is no good systematic overview of the main arguments and hypothesis on the core themes around the triggers of ethnic conflict.This article asks about the main arguments and gaps in terms of ethnic conflict literature in three theme areas, all of which were identified in a keyword analysis involving the relationships between: 1) ethnicity; 2) the (perceived) grievances and opportunities between various groups; and 3) the role of a group’s size in terms of groups being able to mobilise. This semi-systematic review is based on a total of 96 relevant scientific articles that have been published in English language journals since 1990. This review provides a roadmap for researchers in this field so that they can navigate through the extensive literature to be able to provide future research directions. The results of the review show that competing arguments prevail in the available literature. There is no commonly agreed explanation between scholars on what causes ethnic conflict. Rather, there are several competing and complementary hypotheses, each of which is debated by others. Different results are based on different forms of methodology and datasets. In order to further empirical knowledge and common understanding, I suggest that future research focuses on: 1) the role on the perceived grievances of groups that can serve to mobilise them, and therefore adopt meso-level and/or micro-level data variables to test known theories and hypothesis in relation to ethnic conflict; 2) to better the understanding of the role of ethnicity in the collective action; and 3) strengthen arguments about the relationship between polarisation and conflict.