POLS 352i Exam 2 with complete solutions

Describe scholars' traditional view on the relationship between modernization and ethnic conflict. The traditional view on the relationship between modernization and ethnic conflict states that ethnic identity is primitive, and not functional in a modern society. With the growing contact, travel, and communication between ethnic groups would come a weakening of ethnic ties. Furthermore, the development of the modern state would weaken ethnic ties, replacing them with patriotism. Describe scholars' newer view of the relationship between modernization and ethnic conflict. The newer view on the relationship between modernization and ethnic conflict points to the fact that ethnic ties have not weakened as modernization has grown. In fact, in some areas, ethnic conflict has increased. Even in the most modern, developed states, ethnic tension can be found, such as in Spain, Britain, and Canada. Proponents of this view argue greater communication and transportation have strengthened ethnic identities, increasing the understanding of the us-vs-them mentality. Modernization can also increase economic inequalities, deepening divides between ethnic groups. Previous Play Next Rewind 10 seconds Move forward 10 seconds Unmute 0:00 / 0:15 Full screen Brainpower Read More Describe the main propositions of the psychologically-based theory of ethnic conflict and how psychologically-oriented conflict manifests itself in economic and cultural spheres. Some scholars believe ethnic conflict has a psychological basis and that of ethnic groups seek status, respect, and prestige. Proponents of this theory argue that an individual's self-esteem depends on the status of their ethnic group, causing ethnic groups to compare status. This need for comparison generates competition. Competition can manifest in both in economic and cultural spheres. Economic position determines social status, causing groups to struggle for economic prosperity in an attempt to elevate their social status. Elements of cultural identity can be promoted by the state, leading to competition. Describe the main features of Tutsi-Hutu relations in Rwanda during the colonial era. In the colonial era of Rwanda, Tutsi-Hutu relations were largely defined by the dynamics of the feudal relationship of the pre-colonial era. The Tutsi people were seen by Belgian colonists as superior to the Hutu people. Belgian colonists contributed to a growing divide between the two groups. They gave preferential education and employment to Tutsis and issued ethnic identification cards. However, in the 1950s, the Belgian colonists began supporting Hutus in an attempt to equalize ethnic relations as they began to withdraw. This failed, leading to a violent overthrow of the Tutsi government. Describe the main features of the genocide in Rwanda. The Rwandan genocide lasted about 100 days and resulted in the death of approximately 800,000 people. Victims were men and women and ranged from infants to the elderly. The genocide began after the Rwandan president, a Hutu, was killed after his plane was shot down in a missile strike. Tutsis were blamed, and the genocide began. Propaganda was spread via newspapers and radio, and several groups of Hutus perpetrated the genocide, including militias, armed forced, government groups, priests, and civilians, including women and children. The genocide ended when Tutsi forces took the capital. Describe three characteristics of the political nature of Islam. One characteristic of the political nature of Islam is the idea that God is sovereign, not man.