Horizontal Inequality and Conflict : An Empirical Assessment

This paper studies the relationship between horizontal inequality and conflict onset. With this aim, zero-inflated regression models are applied to measures of inequality across ethnic groups. Our results show that horizontal inequality is directly and significantly related to the emergence of violent conflicts, especially of low ones. This link is reinforced in the case of groups that are relatively poor as compared to their country average, that are politically excluded, and in the presence of lootable natural resources. Using duration models, we also find an inverse relationship between horizontal inequality and the length of conflict