The Psychology of Ethnopolitical Warfare

1 . In the space provided below , describe the conflict you selected in DETAIL . Explain WHAT happened , WHERE it happened , and include any background information you have about the groups involved in this case

The conflict that I selected is the Rwanda genocide of Tutsis and moderate Hutus from April to July 1994 which resulted in the estimated death of a million individuals by the Interahamwe and the Impuzamugambi militias (Onstad , 2005

2 . Discuss the role of SUPERIORITY in promoting conflict in this case This may include perceptions of a sense of entitlement

to resources `chosen-ness` or special destiny , or moral superiority

Based on Eidelson and Eidelson (2003 , superiority contributed to the conflict by reinforcing the predominance of one ethnic groups among each other in Rwanda . This created social exclusion and resentment among groups that were precluded from political power in previous regimes Moreover , it justified the ethnic cleansing ' promoted by the Interahamwe and the Impuzamugambi against the Tutsis and moderate Hutus

3 . Discuss the role of INJUSTICE in promoting conflict in this case This may include perceptions of past mistreatment or innocent victimization

The idea of injustice was central to the persecution of Tutsis considered to be essentially foreigners and colonial sympathizers , who were previously the political heads of the Rwanda . Whereas the inclusion of moderate Hutus was justified by their lack of sympathy to the militias which was interpreted as supporting the Tutsis or a denial of the perceived injustice done by Tutsi leaders against other native minorities in Rwanda

4 . Discuss the role of VULNERABILITY in promoting conflict in this case This may include perceptions of threats to well-being , fear of subjugation or annihilation , or fear of forced assimilation

Among those supporting the genocide , the belief was that eliminating Tutsis was also motivated by the need to prevent their rise to power once more and thus marginalizing native Rwandans once more . However amongst the public who rallied behind the militias , their participation in the genocide was also motivated by fears that non-participation would be interpreted to be against the militias and thus suffering violence themselves

5 . Discuss the role of DISTRUST in promoting conflict in this case . This may include perceptions of the other group as untrustworthy or dishonest

Ethnic groups in Rwanda surprisingly had little interaction with each other prior to its independence . Thus , there was limited understanding between ethnic groups which in turn encouraged distrust among groups and created vulnerabilities for conflict which have been credited with the initiation of violence

6 . Discuss the role of HELPLESSNESS in promoting conflict in this case This may include perceptions of powerlessness or dependency

On the part of the extremists , they believe that the militia 's actions was the only viable action since they perceived that the government will continually be dominated by traditional politicians and the economy by foreign-backed industries . All of which were greatly associated with the Tutsi groups

7 . Do you think it is possible to change group beliefs that promote conflict ? Explain your answer by...