How can unequal land distribution contribute to civil conflict?

In the study of political science, unequal land distribution is often analyzed as a significant source of economic grievance that can contribute to civil conflict. Historically, scholars have interpreted civil wars in Latin America through a framework that links violence to such economic disparities.1

The connection between land inequality and conflict is rooted in the concept of relative deprivation, where groups may resort to rebellion if they feel dissatisfied with their economic status compared to their aspirations. When land ownership is highly concentrated, it can create deep-seated grievances among the peasantry, potentially destabilizing social and political order.12

However, it is important to note that the relationship between economic inequality and civil war is complex. While some early theories emphasized these grievances as primary drivers of violence, more recent political-economic research has shifted focus toward "opportunity structures," such as the availability of natural resources or the weakness of the state, which may facilitate the mobilization of insurgencies. Consequently, while unequal land distribution remains a recognized factor in creating fertile ground for unrest, empirical evidence linking it directly to the outbreak of conflict remains mixed.13