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Discussion Paper Details

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Title: The Political Boundaries of Ethnic Divisions

Author(s): Samuel Bazzi and Matthew Gudgeon

Publication Date: January 2018

Keyword(s): conflict, Decentralization, Ethnic Divisions, Polarization and Political Boundaries

Programme Area(s): Development Economics

Abstract: This paper argues that redrawing subnational political boundaries can transform ethnic divisions. We use a policy experiment in Indonesia to show how the effects of ethnic diversity on conflict depend on the political units within which groups are organized. Redistricting along group lines can reduce conflict, but these gains are undone or even reversed when the new borders introduce greater polarization. These adverse effects of polarization are further amplified around majoritarian elections, consistent with strong incentives to capture new local governments in settings with ethnic favoritism. Overall, our findings illustrate the promise and pitfalls of redistricting in diverse countries.

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Bibliographic Reference

Bazzi, S and Gudgeon, M. 2018. 'The Political Boundaries of Ethnic Divisions'. London, Centre for Economic Policy Research. https://cepr.org/active/publications/discussion_papers/dp.php?dpno=12552