How can rapid economic change create ethnic tensions?

Rapid economic change can trigger ethnic tensions and potentially lead to civil war by destabilizing existing political and social structures that are unable to adapt to sudden shifts.12

When economies undergo fast transitions—such as moving from centrally planned to market-based systems—they often facilitate rapid urbanization and domestic migration. These societal changes create uncertainty and foster particularistic interests, which can be exploited by polarizing leadership to mobilize groups along ethnic lines.12

Furthermore, rapid development often raises expectations for political and economic gains. When these hopes fail to materialize, the resulting frustration serves as a potent source of grievance. Such periods of instability create "political opportunity structures" where groups may perceive a better chance to extract concessions from the state or pursue self-determination. Ultimately, when state authority appears weakened by these economic crises, the risk of organized violence increases as groups find it easier to mobilize for protest or armed conflict.123