Ethnic Violence Across Space

Abstract Spatial analyses focus to a large extent on the ‘bright side of proximity’, namely voluntary (positive-sum) interactions such as, e.g., in trade and innovation. In contrast, violent ‘dark proximity’ has often been overlooked. To address this gap, we study role spatial proximity ethnic conflict, developing structural model violence which groups recruit fighters strategically across space. The decay determines equilibrium placement drives specific patterns conflict. parameters are estimated using fine-grained data from twenty-four ethnically divided countries. We find that more than half these, is substantial: all dissipates after 350 km. Violence asymmetric, higher near borders typically originates outside location. Counterfactual estimates suggest setting up barriers would reduce violence, but pacifying suffering grievances be effective.