How does the instrumentalist theory explain the political use of ethnicity?

The instrumentalist theory posits that ethnicity is not an inherent or fixed trait, but rather a strategic device used by individuals and groups to organize and mobilize populations toward specific political goals.1

According to this perspective, ethnicity functions similarly to other political affiliations, such as party membership or ideological beliefs. Its primary purpose is to facilitate the pursuit of objectives such as:1

• Securing self-governance or autonomy.1
• Gaining access to power and material resources.1
• Advancing minority rights.1
• Promoting respect for a group’s specific culture and identity.1

Instrumentalists argue that ethnic identity is largely a matter of personal choice and is often independent of biological or cultural traits. In this framework, ethnic conflict is viewed as a rational competition between groups for the same goals, such as territory or political influence. The elite class of a society plays a critical role in this process, often mobilizing ethnic groups to engage in conflict to serve their own interests. Consequently, instrumentalists view ethnic conflict as being fundamentally similar to other forms of political interest-based conflict.1