Research Context
Recent studies suggested that political exclusion of ethnic groups fuels civil conflict, but this research counters critics who claim endogeneity issues may skew these findings.
Novel Approach
We analyze historical colonial rule's impact by examining differences between French and British colonies. This method isolates the effect of postcolonial power-sharing arrangements from potential conflict triggers.
Key Findings
Our results show political inclusion significantly reduces conflict risk, a finding understated in prior research.
Policy Implications
These findings suggest policymakers should consider inclusive governance structures as effective tools for maintaining peace.
