The Impacts of Sectarian Parity on the Spatial Distribution of Sectarian Violence: Quantitative Evidence from Iraq

• In Event: Ideologies, Mobilization and Resistance

Abstract

Why does sectarian violence emerge and persist in some localities, but not others? This study investigates the determinants of variation on sectarian violence in Iraq between 2003 and 2009, aiming to explain why some districts experienced sustained violence while others remained peaceful. Using a dataset of sectarian violence events during 2003-2009 across the country, I tested a set of demographic and spatial explanations. The findings reveal that sectarian violence is more likely to emerge and endure in districts characterized by a higher degree of sectarian parity between Shia and Sunni groups. This suggests that localities where these groups are present in relatively equal numbers were more prone to conflict. I provide theoretical insights into \textit{when and how} sectarian parity leads to violence at local level.

Author

• Suren J. Mohammed, University of Florida