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SCI LIBRARY

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.