How government favoritism ignites communal violence in fragile regions
A new study shows that communal groups can coexist peacefully through shared rules and accountability—unless governments start picking sides. Research from Darfur and Eastern Sudan reveals that official bias is the key trigger that transforms manageable disputes into deadly conflicts, offering policymakers a roadmap for stabilizing divided communities.
Originaltitel: Conflict Over the Commons: Government Bias and Communal Conflicts in Darfur and Eastern Sudan
<p>Why do communal conflicts turn violent in some regions but not in others? This article identifies conditions for intercommunal cooperation and examines what makes such cooperation break down. Inspired by Ostrom's CPR-theories, it highlights three mechanisms—sanctions, boundaries, and local rules—underpinning intercommunal cooperation. Next, the argument stipulates that government bias can undermine conditions for communal cohabitation, tipping the balance in favor of conflict rather than cooperation. A systematic comparative study between Darfur and Eastern Sudan—building on extensive fieldwork—provides empirical evidence for the argument. These findings provide new insights on how to enhance community resilience to communal violence.</p>