Playing Different Games

Focusing on ethnicity and its relation to conflict, this book goes beyond sterile debates about whether ethnic identities are ''natural'' or ''socially constructed''. Rather, ethnic identity takes different forms. Some ethnic boundaries are perceived by the actors themselves as natural, while others are perceived to be permeable. The argument is substantiated through a comparative analysis of ethnic identity formation and ethnic conflict among the Anywaa and the Nuer in the Gambella region of western Ethiopia. The Anywaa and the Nuer are not just two ethnic groups but two kinds of ethnic groups. Conflicts between the Anywaa and Nuer are explained with reference to three variables: varying modes of identity formation, competition over resources and differential incorporation into the state system.

Focusing on ethnicity and its relation to conflict, this book goes beyond sterile debates about whether ethnic identities are ‘natural’ or ‘socially constructed’. Rather, ethnic identity takes different forms. Some ethnic boundaries are perceived by the actors themselves as natural, while others are perceived to be permeable. The argument is substantiated through a comparative analysis of ethnic identity formation and ethnic conflict among the Anywaa and the Nuer in the Gambella region of western Ethiopia. The Anywaa and the Nuer are not just two ethnic groups but two kinds of ethnic groups. Conflicts between the Anywaa and Nuer are explained with reference to three variables: varying modes of identity formation, competition over resources and differential incorporation into the state system.

List of Figures and Tables          
Preface
Acknowledgements
List of Acronyms           

Introduction: the Regional Setting of Ethnic Identification and Ethnic Conflict

PART I: THEORY AND METHODOLOGY

Chapter 1. Theoretical Orientation and Arguments

PART II: THE CONTRAST

Chapter 2. The Anywaa Primordialist Ethnic Identity Formation
Chapter 3. The Nuer Constructivist Ethnic Identity Formation

PART III: THE ENCOUNTER

Chapter 4.In the Riverine Lands
Chapter 5. The Cultural Contestation
Chapter 6.Differential Incorporation into the Ethiopian State
Chapter 7. The Anywaa Response to Ethiopian Ethnic Federalism
Chapter 8. The Nuer Response to Ethiopian Ethnic Federalism
Chapter 9. Civil War in the Sudan and Ethnic Processes in the Gambella Region           

Conclusion: Modes of Ethnic Identification           

Glossary of Local Terms
References
Index