Lesson Report:
# **Lesson Report: Democratization and Ethnic Conflict**
## **Synopsis**
This session focused on the relationship between democratization and ethnic conflict. The discussion explored theories and case studies regarding whether ethnic nationalism competes with or supports democratic stability. The class examined different conditions under which democracy either mitigates or exacerbates tensions in ethnic communities, incorporating insights from academic texts and historical examples.
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## **Attendance**
– **One student mentioned as absent** (Imat initially but later joined a group).
– **One student reported medical issues** and struggled with participation.
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## **Topics Covered**
### **1. Student Presentation: Democratization and Ethnic Conflict**
– **Presenter:** Azamat
– **Articles Discussed:**
– Denebers: Democracy can destabilize societies with strong ethnic nationalism.
– Bessinger: Under certain conditions, nationalism can facilitate democratization.
– **Key Takeaways:**
– Denebers argues democracy can increase ethnic conflicts, citing Yugoslavia as an example.
– Bessinger contrasts this view, stating nationalism helped construct democracy in the Baltic states.
### **2. Framing Questions for the Lesson**
– Does ethnic nationalism enable or hinder democratization?
– When it leads to conflict, how can state institutions be structured to prevent escalation?
### **3. Midterm Exam Announcements and Guidelines**
– **Date:** Wednesday
– **Format:**
– **Case-study analysis:** Students will receive a historical case of a nationalist movement and answer a related essay question.
– **Essay expectations:** Four paragraphs (Introduction, Two Body Paragraphs, Conclusion).
– **Required sources:** Must reference at least one class text to support the argument.
– **Rules:**
– Only handwritten paper notes allowed.
– No electronic devices during the exam.
– 60-minute time limit.
### **4. Theories on Democracy and Ethnic Conflict**
– **Denebers’ Argument:**
– Democracy allows for political representation and negotiation.
– However, democratization in ethnically divided societies can lead to **ethnic outbidding**, where elites mobilize ethnic divisions for political gain.
– **Definitions and Concepts Explained:**
– **Ethnic Outbidding:** When political leaders radicalize their ethnic voter bases to compete for power.
– **Cross-ethnic Political Campaigning:** Encourages multiethnic cooperation.
– **Majoritarian Domination and Minority Fears:** Democratic systems can sometimes reinforce ethnic hierarchies.
### **5. Factors Influencing Democratic Stability in Ethnic Societies**
– **Ways Democracy Can Reduce Ethnic Conflict:**
1. **Negotiation Spaces:** Provides forums for dialogue over violence.
2. **Political Representation:** Ensures multiple groups have a voice.
3. **Constitutional Protections:** Establishes laws that safeguard minority rights.
– **Ways Democracy Can Trigger Ethnic Conflict:**
1. **Power Vacuums After Authoritarianism:** Can lead to ethnic power struggles.
2. **Unequal Political Structures:** Majority groups may systematically dominate minorities.
3. **Radicalization of Ethnic Leadership:** Can fuel separatist or exclusionary tendencies.
### **6. Group Activity: Case Study Analysis**
– **Task:**
– Each group analyzed a country that transitioned to democracy and determined whether it led to greater stability or conflict.
– Groups then hypothesized alternative measures that might have mitigated ethnic tensions.
– **Case Studies Assigned:**
1. **Czechoslovakia (1993):** Peaceful division into two stable states.
2. **Iraq (2003):** Democratic reforms fueled instability due to sectarian divides.
3. **South Africa (1994):** Transition from apartheid and ethnic reconciliation.
4. **Nigeria’s Federalism Approach:** A case of ethnic conflict management.
– **Presented Reports:**
– **Czechoslovakia:**
– Negotiated a peaceful split without violence (termed “Velvet Divorceâ€�).
– Democratic transition succeeded in creating stability for both nations.
– **Iraq:**
– Post-Saddam democratization led to religiously and ethnically motivated conflict.
– Power transition failed to establish an inclusive government, worsening sectarian tensions.
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## **Actionable Items**
### **Before Midterm (Urgent)**
– **Prepare review session or office hours:** Students may need further clarification on expectations.
– **Confirm any accommodations for students with medical issues.**
### **Post-Spring Break (Important)**
– **Continue case study presentations:** South Africa and Nigeria were not covered.
– **Further discussion on ethnic and religious fluidity:** The Iraq case raised questions on how ethnicity and religion interact in political identity formation.
– **Potentially revisit the role of military institutions in democracy:** The discussion lightly touched on this but did not fully explore its implications.
Homework Instructions:
NO HOMEWORK.
No homework was explicitly assigned during the lesson. The professor primarily focused on reviewing concepts related to democracy and ethnic conflict, preparing students for the upcoming midterm exam, and engaging in class discussions and group activities, but did not instruct students to complete any additional work outside of class.