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Divide and Rule: An Origin of Polarization and Ethnic Conflict

Author

Listed:
  • Yikai Wang

    (University of Oslo)

  • Simon Alder

    (University of North Carolina at Chapel H)

Abstract

We propose a theory of ethnic conflict where political elites strategically initiate conflicts in order to polarize society and thus sustain their own power. We provide a micro-foundation for this divide-and-rule strategy by modelling polarization as a lack of trust. Trust is shaped by economic interactions between different groups as in Rohner, Thoenig, and Zilibotti (2013a). Low trust reduces the expected gains from trade. By starting a conflict and thus interrupting trade, the elite can prevent trust from emerging. The elite will follow this strategy whenever it faces a large threat of revolution which originates in the common interest of people to reap gains from trade without being taxed by the elite. This is likely to be the case if current trust levels are high and if the cost of revolution is low.

Suggested Citation

  • Yikai Wang & Simon Alder, 2017. "Divide and Rule: An Origin of Polarization and Ethnic Conflict," 2017 Meeting Papers 1242, Society for Economic Dynamics.
  • Handle: RePEc:red:sed017:1242
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    References listed on IDEAS

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