Major Findings and Conclusions on the Relationship Between Horizontal Inequalities and Conflict

Abstract

In this book we set out to explore the relationship between HIs and conflict: whether indeed such a relationship pertains in recent conflicts; which type of inequality is most important; and in which conditions conflicts are more likely to emerge. We did so by using case studies of countries in three regions of the world, West Africa, South East Asia and Latin America, and also through more global analysis, using political-economy, econometric, historical and anthropological approaches. Throughout we have aimed to contrast countries (and areas within them) that have managed to avoid serious conflict with those countries or areas that have experienced severe violent conflict in recent decades. The aim of this chapter is to bring together the main conclusions that emerge from these case studies. The next and final chapter of the book reviews policy conclusions that arise. Before coming to general findings the chapter first briefly reviews the nature of HIs and, drawing on material discussed in Chapter 1, explains why we believe they are likely to be important, and, in particular, to predispose countries to violent conflict. This and the following chapter thus contain the main ideas, findings and policy conclusions of the book as a whole.