1. Ethnic & Religious Conflict
Unit 13: Contemporary World
Ethnic & Religious Conflict

2. Intro Questions: What elements make up your identity?
What is the most important part of your identity?
What factors of identity might lead someone to violence? (War, terrorism etc.)
Why do we (humans in general) fight for our identities?

3. Map – Ireland
Copy/paste a map of the island of Ireland that shows the division between Northen Ireland (part of the UK) and the separate Republic of Ireland (an independent nation.

4. Group 1: Northern Ireland – The Troubles
What were “The Troubles”?
When/Where did most of the fighting take place?
What were the two sides of the conflict? What did each side want?
What happened in 1972? Why?
What does IRA stand for? What was their goal?
What was the ultimate result of the conflict?

5. Group 1: Northern Ireland - Today
What physically remains in the region as a reminder of the conflict even today?
How do schools continue to reflect the conflict?
What are remaining (illegal) paramilitary groups engaging in today?
Why does the violent nature of the conflict continue to appeal to young people today?

6. Northern Ireland: Solution
Should Ireland unite? Join the UK? Remain the same? (Why?)
How should Northern Ireland maintain peace within its borders?

7. Map – the Balkans
Copy/paste two maps: A map of Yugoslavia and the aftermath of the break-up of Yugoslavia

8. Group 2: The Balkans - Yugoslavia
When did Yugoslavia form?
What states combined to form Yugoslavia?
What was the ethnic demographic of Yugoslavia? (Include religion practiced by each group)
What led to the break-up of Yugoslavia?
Make an educated guess – Which factors in the break-up will lead to tension between groups?

9. Group 2: The Balkans – Bosnia
What was the demographic make-up of Bosnia in 1991?
What caused the initial conflict between Bosniaks and Bosnian Serbs? What religion does each group practice?
How did the Bosnian Serbs respond to the possibility of a Muslim majority (list 2 actions they took)?
What is “ethnic cleansing”?
What happened between in Bosnia?
What was NATO’s role in the conflict?

10. The Balkans: Solution
How is the climate in Bosnia today? Should the resolution of ethnic conflict in other countries be modeled on this scenario? Why/Why not?
Skim these to get a better idea ->

11. Map – IS in the Middle East
Copy/paste a map that shows the influence of IS in the Middle East

12. Group 3: The Middle East – What’s in a name?
What is the meaning of each of the following names:
ISIS -
ISIL - IS
Daesh –
Which name is used by the UN and US officials?
Which name does the group itself use? Why?
In your opinion, what is the ‘best’ name for the group? Why?
What led to the controversy over the group’s name?

13. Group 3: The Middle East – IS in Iraq
What is the focus of the booklet?
Scroll to the “Summary of Key Findings” section
What are some of Iraq’s ethnic/religious minorities targeted by IS?
What motivates IS to target these groups? List several reasons.
What factors failed to prevent these atrocities? List several factors.
What does the booklet suggest must be done as “the way forward”? List several suggestions.

14. Middle East: The Solution
How can the international community stop IS?
How can the international community end/fix the refugee crisis caused by IS?

15. Map – Horn of Africa
Copy/paste a map of the Horn of Africa with the countries clearly labeled

16. Group 4: Horn of Africa - Ethiopia
What ethnic groups are currently in conflict in Ethiopia? Why?
What does the term “Highlander” mean in this context?
What 2013 event changed the demographic of Ethiopia? Why?

17. Group 4: Horn of Africa – Somalia
When did Somalia form?
How is Somalia divided today?
How has Ethiopia effected Somalia in the past?
What kind of government does Somalia currently have?

18. Horn of Africa: Solution
Ethic & religious tension is especially fueled by famine in this region. Does the international community have the responsibility to address this issue? Why/Why not?
How can the international community prevent famine in this region?

19. Map – South Asia
Copy/paste a map that includes both Myanmar and Sri Lanka clearly labeled

20. Group 5: South Asia– Myanmar
What group is persecuted by the Myanmar government?
What happens to many refugees fleeing this conflict?
What problems does this minority face?
What do you think the term “Internally Displaced People (IDP)” means?
Why do some people refuse to leave the area?
Who is Aung San Suu Kyi?
How does human trafficking deter refugees?

21. Group 5: South Asia– Sri Lanka
What two groups are in conflict in Sri Lanka?
When did the LTTE form?
What is the LTTE or “Tamil Tigers”?
What is the goal of the group?
How does the US, UK, and EU classify the group? Why?

22. South Asia: Solution
Although not identical, you may have discovered some parallels between the situation in the Middle East and South Asia. Why is the Middle East in the news more than South Asian conflicts like these?
What can the international community do to prevent human trafficking in this region?