What role do borders play in ethnic conflicts?

Borders play a significant role in ethnic conflicts as they often demarcate territories inhabited by different ethnic groups.

Borders, whether they are physical or imagined, are crucial in understanding the dynamics of ethnic conflicts. They often delineate territories inhabited by different ethnic groups, and disputes over these borders can lead to conflict. This is particularly true in regions where borders were arbitrarily drawn by colonial powers, without regard for the ethnic, cultural, or linguistic makeup of the populations living there. In such cases, borders can become flashpoints for ethnic tensions and conflicts.

For instance, the border disputes between India and Pakistan over the region of Kashmir have been fuelled by ethnic and religious differences. Similarly, the conflict in the Balkans in the 1990s was largely a result of ethnic tensions exacerbated by disputed borders. In Africa, the borders drawn by colonial powers have often split ethnic groups across different countries, leading to conflicts over resources, identity, and political power.

Moreover, borders can also play a role in ethnic conflicts by creating a sense of 'us' versus 'them'. They can reinforce ethnic identities and differences, leading to a sense of exclusion and marginalisation among minority ethnic groups. This can further fuel ethnic tensions and conflicts. For example, the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar is a case where the state's refusal to recognise the Rohingya as citizens, effectively placing them outside the country's borders, has led to severe ethnic conflict.

However, it's important to note that borders are not the sole cause of ethnic conflicts. They are often one factor among many, including economic disparities, political instability, and historical grievances. Furthermore, the role of borders in ethnic conflicts can change over time, as borders shift and as ethnic identities evolve. Therefore, while borders play a significant role in ethnic conflicts, they should be understood within a broader context of social, political, and economic factors.