Ethno-nationalism: A Response to a States Ethno-Hierarchy

Rocco O'Neill

Asian Security

Week 13

Ethno-nationalism: A Response to a States Ethno-Hierarchy

Introduction

In his 2008 article "Us and Them, The Enduring Power of Ethnic Nationalism" Jerry Muller argues that Ethnic Nationalism is the cause of civil conflict. Although it is undeniable that nationalism has been the cause for countless conflicts, it's difficult to prove that ethnic nationalism can be primarily blamed for civil unrest in modern states. Muller argues that Ethno-nationalism is the reason for the formation of modern states, but also blames it for the collapse of former states. In my essay I argue that Ethno-Nationalism is a response rather than an offensive action. It's caused by the monopolization of absolute violence within a state by an ethnic group, which acts upon a minority or minorities usually for economic reasons, with no desire for peace. In states where the Ethno-Hierarchy does not instigate conflict or separatism, or where the federal government is diverse, peace is maintained.

Muller v. Habriyaman

Muller defined Ethno-Nationalism as "[The] idea […] that nations are defined by a shared heritage, which usually includes a common language, a common faith, and a common ethnic ancestry." He goes on to say "Ethnonationalism draws much of its emotive power from the notion that the members of a nation are part of an extended family, ultimately united by ties of blood. It is the subjective belief in the reality of a common "we" that counts."He insinuates that Ethno-Nationalism is inherent and perpetual in those who share an ethnicity. That these 'nations' are always in a state of war with one another because of their differences. Habyariman describes two counter arguments to the Muller article. First, that members of the same group tend to work with each other not because of their discriminatory preferences but because it's more efficient, they speak the same language, have access to the same information, and grow up in the same social networks. Second, that even if they see no efficiency gains from working with members of their group, they work with each other because they expect the group to discriminate for them, or come to their defense. These arguments support my claim that Ethno-Nationalism is a defense mechanism. It's not an alliance that is formed for the purpose of instigating and carrying out ethnic war, it's simply an allegiance to one another for the purpose of defense.

Baluch Insurgency

The Baluch insurgency is commonly labeled and ethno-nationalist conflict. Provoked by the state through the monopolization of representation and voice in the federal government, as well as the heavy-handed Pakistani military. Anil explains the conflict as being caused by political discontent rather than ethnic differences. He says

"The Baloch never wanted to be a part of Pakistan and the Khan of Kalat the largest of the three provinces of Baluchistan at the time of partition of the Indian subcontinent sought an independent status like Nepal, rather than join Pakistan. However, the Pakistani Army intervened and forced the Khan to sign the accession which generated considerable resentment."


The Baluch later launched revolts against the government when proper royalties for oil exploitation were not rewarded. It was a reaction that was fueled by the resentment built towards the Pakistani government (an ethnic majority) that had acted offensively upon the Baloch people. An offense driven by the desire for the oil rich land where the Baloch reside. Anti secessionism on the part of the Pakistani government was the driving force for the violent acts by the Baloch, they refused to grant legitimacy to the Baluch for economic reasons, and that fed the fire of ethnic conflict.

Canada – Quebec Secession

There is a handful of peaceful multi national states, most of them being democracies most likely due to the previous argument I presented which was the idea that the Government must either be ethnically diverse, or that the government cannot use monopoly violence against a minority. Canada is unique because of Quebec's desire for secession, it's the first time a democratic state has tested in advance it's own legal dissolution. Quebec's desire for secession comes from its Overwhelmingly French speaking citizens. Although the idea of Quebec secession has being going for nearly 50 years, it has hardly become a topic of ethnic conflict. The Canadian government has had many votes on the topic, however it has never truly received a majority vote, even within the province. There has been no Ethno-nationalist movement in Canada because the Canadian government has catered to the needs of the French speaking minority, they have given them seats in parliament, and allowed them to poll the people for a vote of majority regarding secession. The Canadian high court says it is highly unlikely that the secession will take place on the terms that the separatist group desires, "the devil is in the details" say the Justices.

Conclusion

Although my argument didn't focus completely on one instance of ethno-nationalism, I believe it helped form an alternative argument regarding the prevalence of ethnic conflict in multi ethnic states. Ethno-nationalism isn't a cause of conflict within these states, rather it's an allegiance to their group, a defense mechanism used to protect their ideals and their freedoms.


Bibliography
Depalma, Anthony. "Canadian Court Rules Quebec Cannot Secede on Its Own." The New York Times. The New York Times, 20 Aug. 1998. Web. 28 Apr. 2016. .

The americas: The strange disarray of quebec separatism; canada. (2007, Feb 24). The Economist, 382, 52-44. Retrieved from http://libproxy.uwyo.edu/login/?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/223988486?accountid=14793


Raman, Anil. "Explaining The Drivers Of Baluch Insurgency." (2016): 1-4. Web. 26 Apr. 2016


Habyarimana, James, et al. 2008. "Is ethnic conflict inevitable? Parting ways over nationalism and separatism." Foreign Affairs 87(4). Gale Cengage Learning.

Muller, Jerry Z. 2008. "Us and Them: The Enduring Power of Ethnic Nationalism." Foreign Affairs 87(2).




Muller, Jerry Z. 2008. "Us and Them: The Enduring Power of Ethnic Nationalism." Foreign Affairs 87(2).
Habyarimana, James, et al. 2008. "Is ethnic conflict inevitable? Parting ways over nationalism and separatism." Foreign Affairs 87(4). Gale Cengage Learning.
Raman, Anil. "Explaining The Drivers Of Baluch Insurgency." (2016): 1-4. Web. 26 Apr. 2016

The americas: The strange disarray of quebec separatism; canada. (2007, Feb 24). The Economist, 382, 52-44. Retrieved from http://libproxy.uwyo.edu/login/?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/223988486?accountid=14793