Psychology
Contextual Triggers of Ethnic Violence in Multiethnic States
Quick fact
Ethnic diversity itself does not predict violence; countries like Tanzania with dozens of ethnic groups have remained peaceful, while tiny, homogeneous societies have seen genocide. The trigger is often a sudden shift in political or economic conditions that makes ethnic identity more salient and competition more threatening.
Why this is interesting
Picture two neighboring streets in a peaceful city, each belonging to a different ethnic group. Overnight, they become warring factions. What changes? It's not the people—it's the context.