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The Issue Correlates of War (ICOW) Identity Claims Dataset, 1946-2021

Author

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  • Paul R Hensel

    (Department of Political Science, University of North Texas, USA)

  • Sara McLaughlin Mitchell

    (Department of Political Science, University of Iowa, USA)

  • Andrew P Owsiak

    (Department of International Affairs, University of Georgia, USA)

  • Krista E Wiegand

    (Baker School, University of Tennessee, USA)

Abstract

This article introduces the Issue Correlates of War Identity Claims Dataset. An identity claim occurs when two states diplomatically contest the treatment of an ethnic group that both states share. A state that advances such a claim (i.e. the challenger) demands that the other state (i.e. the target) either: (i) change its domestic treatment of the group, (ii) grant the group independence, or (iii) allow the group to reunite with the challenger state (i.e. irredentism). Our research locates all known instances of identity claims throughout the world from 1946 to 2021 ( n  = 111; 45 ongoing as of 31 December 2021). We first highlight the differences between these data and what appears in various existing datasets. We then elaborate on our data generating and coding processes, before descriptively presenting some of the dataset’s noteworthy characteristics (e.g. frequency over time and across regions; the most common challengers, targets, and ethnic groups involved; and claim militarization rates). Finally, we conclude with a discussion about promising ways to use the data in future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul R Hensel & Sara McLaughlin Mitchell & Andrew P Owsiak & Krista E Wiegand, 2025. "The Issue Correlates of War (ICOW) Identity Claims Dataset, 1946-2021," Journal of Peace Research, Peace Research Institute Oslo, vol. 62(4), pages 1252-1261, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:joupea:v:62:y:2025:i:4:p:1252-1261
    DOI: 10.1177/00223433241268838
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