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Microfoundations of Civil Conflict Reconciliation: Ethnicity and Context

Author

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  • Karin Dyrstad
  • Halvard Buhaug
  • Kristen Ringdal
  • Albert Simkus
  • Ola Listhaug

Abstract

Comparative work on reconstruction and peace building in war-torn countries is dominated by a macro-oriented approach, focusing on structural political reforms, legal issues, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of (rebel) soldiers, and repatriation of the displaced. This article offers a different perspective, examining micro-level determinants of reconciliation. Earlier research indicates that political attitudes in post--ethnic conflict societies are shaped by ethnic affinity. A large literature on the importance of contextual conditions for human behavior would suggest that ethnic composition of the local population and physical proximity to the conflict zone also should affect individual support for peace and reconciliation. To test these propositions, we draw on a geo-referenced survey of the Macedonian population that measures respondents' perception of the 2001 civil conflict. Contrary to expectations, the spatial and demographic setting exerts only feeble impacts on individuals' support for the Framework Agreement. Several years after the conflict was settled, the survey data reveal a strongly divided Macedonian society where ethnicity trumps all other individual and contextual factors in explaining the respondents' preferences.

Suggested Citation

  • Karin Dyrstad & Halvard Buhaug & Kristen Ringdal & Albert Simkus & Ola Listhaug, 2011. "Microfoundations of Civil Conflict Reconciliation: Ethnicity and Context," International Interactions, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 37(4), pages 363-387, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:ginixx:v:37:y:2011:i:4:p:363-387
    DOI: 10.1080/03050629.2011.622627
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    Cited by:

    1. Karin Dyrstad & Tanja Ellingsen & Jan Ketil Rød, 2015. "Ethnonationalism in post-war Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo The effects of local violence and ethnic composition," International Area Studies Review, Center for International Area Studies, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, vol. 18(1), pages 4-25, March.
    2. Amélie Godefroidt & Arnim Langer, 2023. "What drives attitudes towards the reintegration of former fighters? Insights from a conjoint experiment in Nigeria," Journal of Peace Research, Peace Research Institute Oslo, vol. 60(3), pages 410-427, May.
    3. Atin Basuchoudhary & Andreas Freytag, 2020. "The Political Economy of Reconciliation: A Theoretical Primer," CESifo Working Paper Series 8400, CESifo.
    4. Felix Schulte & DoÄŸukan Cansin KarakuÅŸ, 2026. "How exposure to wartime violence shapes conflict resolution preferences," Conflict Management and Peace Science, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 43(2), pages 134-156, March.
    5. Amélie Godefroidt & Karin Dyrstad, 2025. "Hurting or healing? How conflict exposure and trauma (do not) shape support for truth commissions," Conflict Management and Peace Science, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 42(5), pages 514-535, September.

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