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Abstract
Ethnicity and Ethnic Politics is an important Phenomenon of Plural Societies. In developing world, ethnic politics is one of the main reasons of internal instability. Ethnic conflict leads towards ethnic politics which is often conceived as a conflict among ethnic groups. This study has focused on the theoretical frame work of ethnic politics, and the main argument is that state has a central role in developing, escalating and diffusing ethnic conflict that is why ethnic conflict does not only mean conflict among ethnic groups but group's conflict with state is also the part of ethnic politics. The study highlights various steps towards the development of politics of ethnicity. A life cycle model of ethnic conflict is also drawn to analyze various stages of conflict, and how the intensity of ethnic conflict with state gradually gains momentum. The debate also focuses that ethnic conflict with state should be handled on priority basis. If state fails to resolve conflict, the reformation of nationality of a particular ethnic group creates serious unrest and threat to the process of nation building.
Keywords: ethnic politics, ethnic conflict, ethnic disagreements, identity movement, Assimilation Policies, internal colonialism, ethnic narrative
Introduction
Ethnicity is an important feature of human identity that manifests differently in different societies. It reflects diversity in the Society whose internal harmony and stability defends on how ethnic diversity is accommodated in a pluralistic frame work of the state and society. Pluralistic frame work includes those constitutional designs which guarantee the protection ethnic identity. The state's failure in creating such institutions, leads towards a conflictual situations in which one ethnic group feels insecure against the dominance of other. The feelings of antagonism ultimately force ethnic groups to pursue their demands. This study has its focus on the Political dimension of ethnicity. Following questions will be evaluated to understand the politics of ethnicity.
I. How ethnic groups are politicised?
II. When these groups develop their ethnic organization?
III. What are their main objectives?
IV. Which factors are involved in the Politicization of ethnicity?
V. How ethnic movements start and some get success others do not?
Literature Review
Political dimension of ethnicity makes it powerful and potentially so destructive that ethnic passion has become the main reason of countless wars, revolts,...