Analyzing Methods of Achieving Peaceful Coexistence

In his analysis, Ethnic Conflict and Civil Society: India and Beyond, Ashutosh Varshney (2001) sets out to discover what the link between communication in multi-ethnic societies and ethnic conflict is. He lays out structural definitions of ethnic conflict and its counterparts, conducts comparative research of various religious communities in India, and effectively communicates his findings. This paper will identify Varshney’s main question that he bases his research upon, present his conclusions, determine his methods of research, and further analyze the importance and validity of his fieldwork. Because his findings strongly relate to course readings regarding structuralism, how various socioeconomic levels cause conflict, and the integral ties communities must have in order to avoid unrest, Varshney’s research is one that is both valid and commendable.

From the beginning, the reader is able to presume that Varshney (2001) is working towards solving a plethora of questions after analyzing his research. Determining the cause of ethnic conflict is no easy task, and one must approach it from a variety of perspectives. Varshney asks smaller, introductory questions such as: are interethnic or intraethnic relations more likely to cause conflict, how does the presence of violence and peace vary in civil societies, and how one may begin to define “ethnic”, “ethnic conflict”, and “civil societies.” However, when taking a step back and examining the drive behind his conclusions, Varshney’s main research question seems to be, “what role do civic organizations play in times of ethnic tensions, and how do the two correlate?” He later continues to use religious tension in India as his dependent variable to discuss several aspects of tension,...

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... the international community will allow the human race to take a step further towards a peaceful, coexisting environment.

Works Cited

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4. Varshney, Ashutosh. "Ethnic Conflict and Civil Society: India and Beyond." World Politics 53 (2001): 362-98. Project Muse. Apr. 2001. Web. .