Ethno‐Territoriality and Ethnic Conflict

Abstract

Ethno‐territoriality is an increasingly invoked term by those doing research on nationalism and ethnic conflict. Despite this, it has not been subject to detailed definitional and conceptual examination. This article develops a conceptual framework for thinking about ethno‐territoriality and ethnic conflict. It begins by briefly describing the relationship between territoriality, state sovereignty, and nationalist politics. I then provide a definition of ethno‐territoriality and outline a four‐part typology of the key elements of ethno‐territorial practice. Following this I discuss the role that ethno‐territoriality plays in the making of ethnic conflict.

Key words:

• ethnic conflict
• ethno‐territoriality
• nationalism

Notes

1. This includes results of searches for both “ethnoterritoriality” and “ethno‐territoriality,” and “ethnoterritorial” and “ethno‐territorial.”

2. I follow Brubaker, et al (2004) in treating “ethnic group” and “nation” as relatively interchangeable concepts rather than distinct domains. Consequently the concept of ethno‐territoriality developed here refers to territorial claims and strategies made in the name of both putative nations and ethnic groups.

3. See Entrikin (1991, 11) for more on the semantic density of places.

4. Prosecutor v. Radovan Karadzic/Ratko Mladic. ICTY. Case No. IT‐95‐5‐R61/IT‐95‐18‐R61, July 11 1996: P. 20.

5. Čolović goes on to cite a revealing example of this line of thought which was published in Serbia prior to the infamous celebration of the Battle of Kosovo in 1989 led by Slobodan Milošević: “Must we, even on the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Kosovo declare: Kosovo is Serbia and that fact does not depend on Albanian natality or Serbian mortality. There is so much Serbian blood and so many Serbian shrines there that it will still be Serbian land even if not a single Serb remains there” (2002, 27).

6. “Despite peace Belfast walls are growing in size and number.” USA Today. May 3, 2008. http://www.usatoday.com/news/topstories/2008-05-03-1826820552_x.htm

7. For an example of approaches that facilitate sharing territory and territorial resources see Cohen and Frank (2009)

8. See Timothy Cresswell (1997) for a more general account of “metaphors of displacement” such as pest, disease and plague.

9. For an excellent analysis of the rise of ethno‐territorial nationalism among First Nations in the Yukon in recent years as a result of negotiations with the Canadian government see Nadasdy (2011).

Additional information

Funding

Council for European Studies

International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX)

United States Institute of Peace