https://hdl.handle.net/10419/48638 GIGA Wed, 16 Sep 2026 13:31:56 GMT 2026-09-16T13:31:56Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/341397 Title: Paths to openness: Immigrant background and attitudes toward immigrants Authors: Tuki, Daniel Abstract: Using data from the World Values Survey (WVS) and European Values Survey (EVS) covering 92 countries (n ≈ 157,000), this study examines whether individuals with an immigrant background exhibit more accommodating attitudes toward immigrants than those without such roots. "Immigrant background" is measured by whether at least one parent was born outside the respondent's country of residence. "Accommodating of immigrants" is captured using three indicators: willingness to have immigrants / foreign workers as neighbors; assessment of immigrants' contribution to economic development; and trust in people of a different nationality. While the first two measures focus on "immigrants," the third homes in on "non-nationals," allowing for an assessment of whether attitudes toward immigrants-a highly politicized group-extend to the more neutral category of "non-nationals." Regression analyses indicate that individuals with an immigrant background are significantly more likely to express willingness to have immigrants as neighbors, to evaluate immigrants' economic contributions positively, and to trust non-nationals. These patterns are consistent with theories of social identity and intergroup contact, suggesting that shared backgrounds and transnational ties may foster in-group extension and greater openness toward immigrants. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10419/341397 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/341622 Title: A common denominator in conflict studies: Introducing political non-state organisations Authors: Konzack, Tom Abstract: This Working Paper advances the conceptualisation of non-state actors by introducing political non-state organisations (PNSOs) as a distinct analytical category. Drawing on insights from terrorism, civil war, and social movement studies, it argues that prevailing definitions suffer from conceptual ambiguity and empirical inconsistencies, hampering comparative research. PNSOs are defined by their formal organisational structures, political objectives, and their engagement in physical, publicly observable actions taking place outside institutional political channels. This framework integrates elements of both actors commonly denoted non-state and social movement organisations, while delineating PNSOs clearly from state and apolitical entities. The approach also captures hybrid actors who combine protest and electoral politics. By introducing PNSOs, a more consistent cross-case comparison of entities involved in political contention is made possible - using violent or non-violent tactics. The conceptual refinement addresses methodological fragmentation in existing datasets, offering a coherent foundation for empirical studies of contentious politics across diverse political and geographical contexts. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10419/341622 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/343074 Title: This sand is mine!: Why sand mining has led to violent conflict in Makueni County, Kenya Authors: Aduda, Levke; Aduda, Annette Adhiambo Abstract: Sand is the second-most exploited natural resource after water, with global demand for it steadily increasing. Yet the societal and conflict-related impacts of sand mining remain understudied. This Working Paper examines the conditions under which sand mining generates violent conflict. We argue that violence is most likely to occur where local authorities and law enforcement are corrupt or embedded in the sand economy, and where communities strongly depend on related incomes. Under these conditions, competition between mining groups, conflicts with local communities over environmental damage, and stricter enforcement measures can escalate into violence. An in-depth case study of Makueni County, Kenya, based on fieldwork and media reports supports these expectations. Our findings highlight the need to systematically integrate sand extraction into resource-governance frameworks to protect both the environment and peace. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10419/343074 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/324863 Title: Fragile federation: Violent conflict and attitudes toward ethnic federalism in Ethiopia Authors: Hagos, Samuel Zewdie; Tuki, Daniel Abstract: Ethnic federalism has long been a cornerstone of Ethiopia's political system - and a recurrent source of violent conflict. Despite its centrality to the country's governance and conflict dynamics, there is a notable absence of large-N quantitative research examining how exposure to violence shapes public attitudes toward ethnic federalism. This study addresses that gap by leveraging nationally representative data from rounds 8 and 9 of the Afrobarometer surveys (n = 4,778). To estimate the causal effect of violent conflict on attitudes toward ethnic federalism, we employ an instrumental variable approach that exploits the distance from respondents' geolocation to the nearest international border as an exogenous source of variation in conflict exposure. Our findings reveal that exposure to violent conflict increases support for ethnic federalism. Qualitative interviews with participants across four regions in Ethiopia suggest that violent conflict erodes trust in the central government, weakens national belonging, and strengthens ethnic identification. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10419/324863 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z