d*****g
发帖数: 1616 | 1 http://arxiv.org/abs/1110.1409
Abstract:
Good Fences: The Importance of Setting Boundaries for Peaceful Coexistence
Alex Rutherford, Dion Harmon, Justin Werfel, Shlomiya Bar-Yam, Alexander
Gard-Murray, Andreas Gros, Yaneer Bar-Yam
(Submitted on 6 Oct 2011)
We consider the conditions of peace and violence among ethnic groups,
testing a theory designed to predict the locations of violence and
interventions that can promote peace. Characterizing the model's success in
predicting peace requires examples where peace prevails despite diversity.
Switzerland is recognized as a country of peace, stability and prosperity.
This is surprising because of its linguistic and religious diversity that in
other parts of the world lead to conflict and violence. Here we analyze how
peaceful stability is maintained. Our analysis shows that peace does not
depend on integrated coexistence, but rather on well defined topographical
and political boundaries separating groups. Mountains and lakes are an
important part of the boundaries between sharply defined linguistic areas.
Political canton and circle (sub-canton) boundaries often separate religious
groups. Where such boundaries do not appear to be sufficient, we find that
specific aspects of the population distribution either guarantee sufficient
separation or sufficient mixing to inhibit intergroup violence according to
the quantitative theory of conflict. In exactly one region, a porous
mountain range does not adequately separate linguistic groups and violent
conflict has led to the recent creation of the canton of Jura. Our analysis
supports the hypothesis that violence between groups can be inhibited by
physical and political boundaries. A similar analysis of the area of the
former Yugoslavia shows that during widespread ethnic violence existing
political boundaries did not coincide with the boundaries of distinct groups
, but peace prevailed in specific areas where they did coincide. The success
of peace in Switzerland may serve as a model to resolve conflict in other
ethnically diverse countries and regions of the world. | d*****g
发帖数: 1616 | 2 http://arxiv.org/abs/1110.1409
Abstract:
Good Fences: The Importance of Setting Boundaries for Peaceful Coexistence
Alex Rutherford, Dion Harmon, Justin Werfel, Shlomiya Bar-Yam, Alexander
Gard-Murray, Andreas Gros, Yaneer Bar-Yam
(Submitted on 6 Oct 2011)
We consider the conditions of peace and violence among ethnic groups,
testing a theory designed to predict the locations of violence and
interventions that can promote peace. Characterizing the model's success in
predicting peace requires examples where peace prevails despite diversity.
Switzerland is recognized as a country of peace, stability and prosperity.
This is surprising because of its linguistic and religious diversity that in
other parts of the world lead to conflict and violence. Here we analyze how
peaceful stability is maintained. Our analysis shows that peace does not
depend on integrated coexistence, but rather on well defined topographical
and political boundaries separating groups. Mountains and lakes are an
important part of the boundaries between sharply defined linguistic areas.
Political canton and circle (sub-canton) boundaries often separate religious
groups. Where such boundaries do not appear to be sufficient, we find that
specific aspects of the population distribution either guarantee sufficient
separation or sufficient mixing to inhibit intergroup violence according to
the quantitative theory of conflict. In exactly one region, a porous
mountain range does not adequately separate linguistic groups and violent
conflict has led to the recent creation of the canton of Jura. Our analysis
supports the hypothesis that violence between groups can be inhibited by
physical and political boundaries. A similar analysis of the area of the
former Yugoslavia shows that during widespread ethnic violence existing
political boundaries did not coincide with the boundaries of distinct groups
, but peace prevailed in specific areas where they did coincide. The success
of peace in Switzerland may serve as a model to resolve conflict in other
ethnically diverse countries and regions of the world. |
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