Ethnic violence in Africa: destructive legacies of pre-colonial states

International Organization • Vol/Iss. 73(3) • The IO Foundation • • Published In • Pages: 645-683 •
By Paine, Jack

Abstract

This study investigated the difference in rates of violence of precolonial states and stateless ethnic groups in postcolonial Africa. The author hypothesized ethnic groups of precolonial states (PCS) would experience more violence, (i.e. coup attempts and civil wars) than non-PCS groups. The author suggested that because of PCS countries’ inability to allow rival ethnic groups into power positions in addition to the extra power PCS groups gained under colonial rule may lead to more violence.

Note

“PCS countries” are countries with at least one pre-colonial state group. “SLPCS groups” are stateless groups within a PCS country. “SL groups” are stateless groups in non-PCS countries.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Ethnic Power Relations (EPR)Combination

Hypotheses (3)

HypothesisSupported
Stateless groups of pre-colonial state countries (SLPCS) will have more occurrences of civil war than stateless groups (SL).Supported
Successful coup attempts and coup attempts will be more frequent in pre-colonial state groups (PCS) than stateless groups (SL).Supported
Stateless groups in pre-colonial state countries (SLPCS) will gain inclusion in power at the center less frequently than stateless groups (SL).Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: danielle.russell