Publication

This report looks at ethnic riots as activities undertaken by crowds and analyzes the dynamics of crowd behavior. The author examines ethnic riots in India in particular, arguing that while events at the national or regional level may spark ethnic violence, the response to those sparks - ranging from increased ethnic tension to deadly ethnic riots - occurs at the local level. She concludes that civic associations in India such as trade unions, professional groups and opposition political parties that represent mutual political, economic and social interests across ethnic lines are more effective in preventing violence than civil society groups whose primary focus is the promotion of inter-ethnic dialogue.