Item Details
Skip Navigation Links
   ActiveUsers:4727Hits:25704383Skip Navigation Links
Show My Basket
Contact Us
IDSA Web Site
Ask Us
Today's News
HelpExpand Help
Advanced search

In Basket
  Journal Article   Journal Article
 

ID090992
Title ProperGeography as motivation and opportunity
LanguageENG
AuthorWeidmann, Nils B
Publication2009.
Summary / Abstract (Note)
The literature suggests that geographically concentrated groups face a higher likelihood of conflict. While this finding seems to be commonly accepted, there is no clear consensus that explains why this is the case. Two competing mechanisms have been proposed: first, a motivation-driven mechanism, where the existence of a well-defined group territory makes the group more likely to fight for it; and second, an opportunity-driven link, where concentration facilitates group coordination for collective action. This article aims to resolve this controversy by developing new settlement pattern indicators based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data. Using conflict data at the level of ethnic groups, I show that there is clear evidence in favor of the opportunity mechanism. Thus, the effect of group concentration on conflict seems to be driven by the strategic advantages for group coordination that the spatial proximity of group members provides.
The literature suggests that geographically concentrated groups face a higher likelihood of conflict. While this finding seems to be commonly accepted, there is no clear consensus that explains why this is the case. Two competing mechanisms have been
`In' analytical NoteJournal of Conflict Resolution Vol. 53, No. 4; August 2009: 526-543
Journal SourceJournal of Conflict Resolution Vol. 53, No. 4; August 2009: 526-543
Key WordsEthnic Conflict ;  Ethnic Settlement Patterns ;  Geographic Conflict Determinants ;  Geographic Information Systems