What kind of institutions build peace?

When considering strategies to address violent conflict, scholars and policymakers debate the wisdom of various institutional approaches. In Diversity, Violence, and Recognition, Cyrus Samii and I examine the reasons that governments choose to recognize ethnic identities in state institutions and the consequences of such choices for peace. We introduce a theory on the merits and risks of recognizing ethnic groups in state institutions, pointing to the crucial role of ethnic demographics. Through a global quantitative analysis and in-depth case studies of Burundi, Rwanda, and Ethiopia, we find promise in recognition. Countries that adopt recognition go on to experience less violence, more economic vitality, and more democratic politics, but these effects depend on which ethnic group is in power. Our findings are important for scholars studying peace, democracy, and development, and practically relevant to policymakers attempting to make these concepts a reality.  They also prompt a number of other questions: one new project examines the effectiveness of ethnic federalism in addressing horizontal education inequalities.