WorkPapers

Elite manipulation of ethnic tension and Historic grievances of nationhood

Intolerance is not always and not even usually the result of centuries old conflict. Tension between groups, which may, in fact, have existed for ages, is manipulated by elites to achieve their personal, political and economic objectives.

Positive Indications for Tolerance

• Rule of law. Say more–what law? What makes law good? Rights and privileges guaranteed to all individuals rather than associated with groups and group affiliation. While also allowing individual right to voluntary affiliation with identity-generating groups or institutions.

Throughout the world, humanitarian crises are exacerbated by conflicts caused by ethnic, religious, language, or racial intolerance. We would not have famine but for conflicts inflamed by intolerance. The world can just about produce enough food to feed everyone, but the food is not in the same place as those in need.  Wars, long-simmering tension, and corrupt governments exploiting ethnic tensions to bolster support often get in the way of getting the food, medicine, and shelter to the people who need it.  Ethnic conflicts, tension, restrictions on people’s movement, and denial of opportunity all exact a high cost in terms of refugee flight and suffering, loss of life, decline in living standards, destruction of property, destruction of livelihoods, and diminishment of people’s hopes.