Logic of Ethnic and Religious Conflict in Africa
Book Description
Understanding the complex dynamics of human conflict offers profound insights into the nature of identity, community, and spiritual belonging. John F. McCauley's examination of African conflicts reveals how the labels we assign to disputes—whether "tribal" or "Muslim-Christian"—emerge not from ancient hatreds but from the strategic choices of leaders navigating political upheaval.
This scholarly exploration challenges readers to look beyond surface explanations of conflict to discover the deeper mechanisms at work when state institutions falter. Through innovative research conducted in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, McCauley demonstrates how individual perspectives shift dramatically depending on whether ethnic or religious identities are emphasized in different contexts.
The book illuminates how political leaders deliberately tap into the distinct emotional responses that ethnicity and religion evoke, using these powerful forces to mobilize support for their own objectives. Case studies from Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, and Sudan reveal the calculated decisions that ultimately determine whether a conflict becomes framed in ethnic or religious terms, even when the opposing groups remain unchanged.
For those seeking to understand the intersection of spirituality, identity, and human behavior, this work offers valuable perspectives on how religious and ethnic consciousness can be both authentic personal experiences and tools of political manipulation. The insights extend far beyond Africa, providing a framework for examining how spiritual and cultural identities shape conflicts worldwide.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
📄 Length: 248 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore General
- ✓ Explore Africa, religion
- ✓ Explore Africa, ethnic relations
- ✓ Explore Religious minorities
- ✓ Explore Political aspects
- ✓ Explore Religion
- ✓ Explore Social conflict
- ✓ Explore Ethnicity
