Ethnic Conflict
Robert Clancy
[Reprinted from The Georgist Journal, No.77 -
Autumn 1992]
On the way to One World and a Hew World Order, some obstacles
have loomed. Various nationalities and ethnic groups, instead of
moving closer together, have recoiled and asserted their own
identities, rejecting the merging into a larger identity.
Nations that we supposed were stabilized are splitting. The
Yugoslav chopping continues. Czechoslovakia, having won independence
from the U.S.S.R., is now slicing itself into two nations.
The tragedies in Somalia, Sudan and other countries are based on
factions pushing their dominance. In Iraq the problems of Kurds and
Shiites continue.
The European Community is having trouble completing its union.
And member countries such as Germany and France are further involved
in internal uproars over their workers from the Third World. The
approach of free trade between the U.S., Mexico and Canada is
causing much discomfort.
All the tendencies of the time call for closer union -- increased
international dependence, technology, communication, travel. Why
this retrogression?
When a paradox like this rears its head, look for the economic
problem. And when you find it, look for the land question.
The major block in our journey toward One World has been
world-wide recession, major unemployment, problems of taxation,
social services, welfare, etc. Apprehension over such matters leads
people to look in the wrong direction for deliverance -- to shut out
the confusing wicked world and fall back into the walls of
separation.
Then there are the privileged few who reap unearned income and
seek aggrandizement, making it difficult for most people to survive.
Powerful groups and individuals domineer in the ownership of land.
Here is the chief obstacle.
No matter what our ideals and sentiments, plans and declarations,
peace and unity cannot come until these matters are resolved to
bring about more equity and justice for all.