Abstract
How much does the antiquity of states, and the sometimes arbitrary nature of colonial boundaries, explain the modern degree of ethnic diversity? It is shown that states with greater historical legitimacy (more continuity between the pre-colonial and post-colonial state) have less ethnic diversity. Historical legitimacy is more strongly correlated with ethnic diversity than are the antiquity of states, genetic diversity or the duration of human settlement. Although historical legitimacy is particularly pertinent to Africa, the correlation also holds outside Africa.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 159-170 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | European Journal of Political Economy |
Volume | 43 |
Early online date | 24 Mar 2016 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jun 2016 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Economics and Econometrics