Studies in Ethnicity and Nationalism

How Economics Can Help Us Understand Violent Intrastate Conflict
Since the late 1990s, there has been a pronounced increase in econometric analyses of violent intrastate conflict, not least thanks to the now seminal distinction of “greed” versus “grievance” factors – prominently put forth by Paul Collier and Anke Hoeffler – to explain the causes of civil wars. To discuss the potential strengths as well as pitfalls of such distinctions and analyses, Studies in Ethnicity and Nationalism has invited four experts in the field to address the question of “What contribution can the discipline of economics make to the study of violent intrastate conflict?” from their very own perspectives.

Their contributions, to be published in the features section of SEN volume 11 number 2, include:

Dr Anke Hoeffler (University of Oxford): “‘Greed’ versus ‘Grievance’ – A Useful Conceptual Distinction in the Study of Civil War?”

Professor Indra de Soysa (Norwegian University of Science and Technology): “The Hidden Hand Wrestles Rebellion: Theory and Evidence on How Economic Freedom Prevents Civil Violence”

Professor I William Zartman (Johns Hopkins University): “Greed and Grievance: Methodological and Epistemological Underpinnings of the Debate"

Professor Michael Pugh (University of Bradford): “Local Agency and Political Economies of Peacebuilding"

The explosion of interest in ethnicity and nationalism has created an urgent need for systematic study in this field. Nations and Nationalism aims to satisfy this need. As a scholarly, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary journal, it is designed to respond to the rapid growth of research in the study of nationalism and nationalist movements throughout the world.

Studies in Ethnicity and Nationalism (SEN) is delighted to announce the launch of its new online forum "SEN Journal: Online Exclusives". The website contains a collection of materials related to the research published in SEN's print issues. It is a relevant source for anybody interested in or working on ethnicity and nationalism. Regular features include, amongst others, exclusive online teasers from upcoming print issues; interviews with authors published in recent or upcoming print issues; and inside looks at the opportunities and challenges of conducting research in the field.

Click here to read an exclusive interview with Tariq Modood on SEN Journal: Online Exclusives.

The Association for the Study of Ethnicity and Nationalism (ASEN) is holding its 22nd Annual Conference “Nationalism, Ethnicity and Boundaries” on 27-29 March, 2012 at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Proposals are invited for papers before the 18th of November 2011, find out more here.