October 5, 2018

Why does ethnic violence happen?

Plan:

  1. Recap
  2. Example
  3. Causes of ethnic violence

Example:
1984 Delhi Riots

Background

Political Conflict in state of Punjab

Rise of Sikh Nationalists

Amritsar and Operation Blue Star

Precipitating Event

Assassination of Indira Gandhi by Sikh Bodyguards

Widespread killing of Sikhs in Delhi

Obviously Ethnic?

What is this violence about?

In Sultanpuri

  • Intra-party factional dispute?
  • Free reign given to criminals / police?
  • Conflict between two caste groups?
  • Opportunistic violence (looting, settling scores)?
  • Ethnic violence against Sikhs?

What causes ethnic violence?

Motive

Opportunity

Push and Pull

Motives: Interests

Elections

Security

Territorial Control

Opportunism

Opportunity: Interests

Capacity for Violence

Risk of Violence (or lackthereof)

master cleavage vs. local cleavage (Kalyvas)

Motives: Ideas

Which Moral relationships

  • Horowitz: aggressive/dangerous opponent

What is a boundary transgression

  • Horowitz: precipitating events

Ethnic Hatred

  • Essentialist thinking

Opportunity: Ideas

Ritualization / Routinization of Violence:

Tambiah:

  • processions, rallies
  • standard intimidation
  • widely accepted "triggers"