The Internationalization of Ethnic Conflict: State, Society, and Synthesis

The purpose of this review is to identify a framework for understanding the internationalization of ethnic conflict. We examine three approaches that purport to explain escalation-namely extension, interaction, and transformation-and emphasize the fact that each theory by itself lacks full explanato...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International Studies Review 2009-03, Vol.11 (1), p.63-86
Main Authors: Carment, David, James, Patrick, Taydas, Zeynep
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Civil wars
Conflict
Elites
Ethnic conflict
Ethnic groups
Ethnic Relations
Ethnicity
Globalization
Identity
Institutions
Interethnic conflict
Interethnic relations
International politics
International relations
International society
Internationalization
Interstate conflict
Minority & ethnic groups
Political leadership
Political science
Rationality
Reflection, Evaluation, Integration
Transnationalism
Violence
War
War conflict
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Summary:The purpose of this review is to identify a framework for understanding the internationalization of ethnic conflict. We examine three approaches that purport to explain escalation-namely extension, interaction, and transformation-and emphasize the fact that each theory by itself lacks full explanatory power. Synthesis that focuses on factors from state and society, which shape the decision to become involved in ethnic strife is essential. Examination of the preceding factors reveals that institutional configurations and ethnic composition indeed do limit future options available to states and influence the distribution of capabilities among leaders of groups. The main conclusion of this essay is that ethnic diversity in a society and high constraint on state action are optimal conditions for overcoming insecurity.
ISSN:1521-9488
1468-2486
DOI:10.1111/j.1468-2486.2008.01825.x