Annie Murphy Paul

Annie Murphy Paul argues in the following viewpoint that there are several factors that may trigger an ethnic war. Competition for jobs, food, and political power may set off ethnic violence, she maintains, as may an economic depression or a change in political leadership. Once people feel threatened by some change, Paul asserts, it is relatively easy to arouse panic, fear, and violence in a group. Political leaders also play an important role because they can either stoke or calm the group’s panic, she contends. Paul is a news editor for Psychology Today.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What was the catalyst for bloodshed in Northern Ireland, according to a study cited by Paul?
2. How can the psychology of dysfunctional families be used to understand ethnic conflict, in Paul’s opinion?
3. What...