Ethnic conflict

The paper “ Factors Determining Ethnic Conflict and Models for Resolving Conflicts among Involved Groups” is an affecting version of an assignment on social science. For my paper, the question of interest was, “ What are the causes of ethnic conflict?” It stemmed from the position that there are multiple factors that cause this problem, which in themselves are context-specific and multi-dimensional in nature. For this purpose, I sought to answer several questions, including: What are the factors that determine ethnic conflict? How are such factors mitigated? What are the models that can help resolve conflicts among involved groups?

2. Discuss the research design and why you pursued the project the way you did.
I have used the qualitative method for this project. Specifically, I have chosen to employ descriptive research, which is a derivative of the exploratory qualitative model. This approach involves the observational research design with the data collected as they exist without any manipulation of the variables involved. In order to answer the research questions, I have gathered information from prior works and published sources. In this respect, the study could also be considered a form of systematic literature review in the sense that research materials are collected, evaluated and analyzed for purposes of interpretation. All in all, the study collected scholarly sources in order to answer the research question. The materials were used in order to gain knowledge and solution.

3. Highlight the data you collected
The following are the highlights of data collected as cited in my paper:
Ethnic conflicts emerge out of a combination of resource and environmental, socio-economic, cultural, institutional and political factors.
The inability of a state’s political institutions to function effectively causes ethnic conflicts. This supposedly makes the state incapable to manage the interests of different groups of people.
Current developments and studies on these trends show that global and political developments have bearings on ethnic conflict and the degree of violence involved because these phenomena constrain the nation-states’ capability to act. Another case involve foreign intervention (i. e with respect to governance). This could lead to dissatisfaction and violence when the opposing side of the favored group feel marginalized and disadvantaged by the intervention.
Social conflict often stems from poverty, the absence of social cohesion, exclusion, and marginalization.
Differences brought about by different cultural backgrounds are behind the social conflict, with the position that beliefs and practices cause disagreements. The values and beliefs of ethnic groups could also determine the nature and severity of the problem since there are cultures that sanction retaliation or the protection of ethnic pride and identity with the use of force.
Ethnic conflicts caused by environment and resource factors include those plagued by environmental insecurity or resource scarcity. Uneven access always leads to conflict.
Social, institutional and political factors tend to determine the use of violence in ethnic conflict.
Good leadership could prevent most factors that lead to ethnic conflicts. The understanding that ethnic conflict is multidimensional finally allows for a more comprehensive solution tailored according to the nature and roots of the problem.

4. Briefly summarize your findings
Ethnic conflicts usually stem from disagreements and differences among ethnic groups. These differences are determined by social, economic, cultural, political and environmental factors. Each of these variables could lead to conflicts independently but a combination of two or more could also achieve the same or a much bigger effect with the complications and aggravation entailed on interlinked differences and disagreements. This finding demonstrates that ethnic conflicts are diverse in nature and, therefore, must be approached and solved in various ways. There are conflict resolutions that must focus on a single root cause and there are those that must adopt multi-pronged conflict resolution strategies. All these underpin a need to study and understand ethnic clashes in order to achieve a permanent solution that would hopefully lead to lasting peace.

5. Identify any special problems you encountered during the research project.
Being a member of an ethnic/racial group, I have first-hand experience of a specific type of conflict. Particularly, I am familiar with those that developed out of cultural/religious and political differences, with some environmental factors thrown in. What this means is that there is a tendency on my part to focus on this type of conflict because the issues involved are familiar and closer to me. It was challenging to limit time and effort on this conflict and research on other types as well.

Another difficulty involves personal bias or, at least, involvement in the research. As has been mentioned, I am a member of an ethnic group and there is the perception of the risk of adopting my group’s side or those that my group sympathizes within specific cases of conflicts. What these challenges meant for me in the entire course of the research is the need to be objective and open-minded so each and every variable I have cited were treated with respect and fairness.