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Method in the madness? a political-economy analysis of the ethnic conflicts in less developed countries

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  • Bardhan, Pranab

Abstract

This paper is an attempt, from a political economist's point of view, to look for some clear patterns in the horrendous complexities of the ethnic and sectarian conflicts that are raging in less developed countries. We emphasize the importance of some institutional failures (like the decline of mediating institutions or of pre-existing structures of credible commitment) rather than mere cultural and historical animosities behind the collapse of inter-ethnic understandings and compromises. The rise in ethnic conflicts is not always associated with economic deterioration, sometimes quite the contrary. The effects of market expansion are also ambiguous. In our discussion of policy lessons we have tried to look for various ways, both political and economic, of constructing institutionalized incentives for conciliatory actions.
(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)
(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

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  • Bardhan, Pranab, 1997. "Method in the madness? a political-economy analysis of the ethnic conflicts in less developed countries," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 25(9), pages 1381-1398, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:25:y:1997:i:9:p:1381-1398
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • O17 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Formal and Informal Sectors; Shadow Economy; Institutional Arrangements
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State

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