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State Capacity and Demand for Identity: Evidence from Political Instability in Mali

Author

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  • Maxim Ananyev

    (University of Melbourne)

  • Michael Poyker

    (Columbia University)

Abstract

We demonstrate that civil conflict erodes self identification with a nation state even among non rebellious ethnic groups in non conflict areas. We perform a difference in difference estimation using Afrobarometer data. Using the onset of Tuareg led insurgency in Mali caused by the demise of the Libyan leader Muammar al Gaddafi as an exogenous shock to state capacity, we find that residents living closer to the border with the conflict zone experienced a larger decrease in national identification. The effect was greater on people who were more exposed to local media. We hypothesize about the mechanism and show that civil conflict erodes national identity through the peoples` perception of a state weakness.

Suggested Citation

  • Maxim Ananyev & Michael Poyker, 2019. "State Capacity and Demand for Identity: Evidence from Political Instability in Mali," Working Papers Series 97, Institute for New Economic Thinking.
    • Handle: RePEc:thk:wpaper:97
    DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.3419294
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Conflict; National Identity; Media; Trust;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • H56 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - National Security and War
    • N47 - Economic History - - Government, War, Law, International Relations, and Regulation - - - Africa; Oceania
    • O55 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Africa
    • Z10 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - General

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