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Ethnic conflict: the role of ethnic representation

Author

Listed:
  • Bhalotra, Sonia

    (University of Warwick, CAGE)

  • Clots-Figueras, Irma

    (University of Kent)

  • Iyer, Lakshmi

    (University of Notre Dame)

Abstract

We investigate the impact of the political representation of minority groups on the incidence of ethnic conflict in India. We code data on Hindu-Muslim violence and Muslim political representation in India and leverage quasi-random variation in legislator religion generated by the results of close elections. We find that the presence of Muslim legislators results in a large and significant decline in Hindu-Muslim conflict. The average result is driven by richer states and those with greater police strength. Our results suggest that the political empowerment of minority communities can contribute to curbing civil conflict.

Suggested Citation

  • Bhalotra, Sonia & Clots-Figueras, Irma & Iyer, Lakshmi, 2023. "Ethnic conflict: the role of ethnic representation," CAGE Online Working Paper Series 668, Competitive Advantage in the Global Economy (CAGE).
    • Handle: RePEc:cge:wacage:668
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    File URL: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/economics/research/centres/cage/manage/publications/wp668.2023.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Sonia Bhalotra & Irma Clots-Figueras & Lakshmi Iyer & Joseph Vecci, 2023. "Leader Identity and Coordination," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 105(1), pages 175-189, January.
    2. Kumar Das, Pranab & Kar, Saibal & Kayal, Madhumanti, 2011. "Religious Minorities and Provision of Public Goods: Evidence from Rural West Bengal," IZA Discussion Papers 6154, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    conflict; violence; religion; political representation; police; close elections JEL Classification: D72; D74; J15;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • J - Labor and Demographic Economics

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