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State history, historical legitimacy and modern ethnic diversity

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  • Bleaney, Michael
  • Dimico, Arcangelo

Abstract

How much does the antiquity of states, and the sometimes arbitrary nature of colonial boundaries, explain the modern degree of theory of ethnic diversity and income disthnic diversity? It is shown that states with greater historical legitimacy (more continuity between the pre-colonial and post-colonial state) have less ethnic diversity. Historical legitimacy is more strongly correlated with ethnic diversity than are the antiquity of states, genetic diversity or the duration of human settlement. Although historical legitimacy is particularly pertinent to Africa, the correlation also holds outside Africa.

Suggested Citation

  • Bleaney, Michael & Dimico, Arcangelo, 2016. "State history, historical legitimacy and modern ethnic diversity," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 159-170.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:poleco:v:43:y:2016:i:c:p:159-170
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpoleco.2016.03.001
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    Cited by:

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    2. Stijn van Weezel, 2016. "Short term effects of drought on communal conflict in Nigeria," Working Papers 201618, School of Economics, University College Dublin.
    3. Kodila-Tedika, Oasis & Khalifa, Sherif, 2019. "State History and State Fragility: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa," MPRA Paper 97871, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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