| ID | 146198 |
| Title Proper | Diversity and diversion |
| Other Title Information | how ethnic composition affects diversionary conflict |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Haynes, Kyle |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | How does a state’s ethnic composition affect its propensity to engage in diversionary conflicts? Recent empirical work examines the political conditions under which domestic unrest compels an embattled leader to initiate conflict abroad. We remain uncertain, however, of what social or demographic characteristics make states particularly prone to diversionary behavior. This article tries to address this gap, examining whether a state’s ethnic structure conditions its leader’s response to domestic discontent. Combining the expansive literatures on ethnic politics and diversionary war yields conflicting expectations here. I find that ethnically fragmented states are significantly more prone to initiating diversionary conflicts, and I show that the greater availability of “conflict opportunities” resulting from transborder ethnic-kin groups, in part, drives this effect. A brief case study illustrates these dynamics. |
| `In' analytical Note | International Studies Quarterly Vol. 60, No.2; Jun 2016: p.258-271 |
| Journal Source | International Studies Quarterly Vol: 60 No 2 |
| Key Words | Diversionary Conflict ; Diversity ; Diversion ; Ethnic Composition |