A change of paradigm relevant for our time

Nowadays, a large part of academia considers that there is a negative relationship between ethnic heterogeneity and the provision of public goods*. This perception can be found as well within society. Across the world we are witnessing the emergence of political movements that point to ethnic diversity* as detrimental to public services and a source of impoverishment.

In ETHNICGOODS we conceive a different interpretation based on a fact: researchers have systematically overlooked the historical dimension of the link between ethnic diversity and public goods provision. We consider that this factor could have a decisive role in this relationship.

Our main goal is to test if considering the historical processes of formation of modern nation-states would prove this negative association as spurious* and thus, likely to be incorrect. This would provide new evidence to refute the exclusionary claims advanced by nativist movements*.

A change of paradigm relevant for our time

Nowadays, a large part of academia considers that there is a negative relationship between ethnic heterogeneity and the provision of public goods*. This perception can be found as well within society. Across the world we are witnessing the emergence of political movements that point to ethnic diversity* as detrimental to public services and a source of impoverishment.

In ETHNICGOODS we conceive a different interpretation based on a fact: researchers have systematically overlooked the historical dimension of the link between ethnic diversity and public goods provision. We consider that this factor could have a decisive role in this relationship.

Our main goal is to test if considering the historical processes of formation of modern nation-states would prove this negative association as spurious* and thus, likely to be incorrect. This would provide new evidence to refute the exclusionary claims advanced by nativist movements*.

Upon their creation, modern nation-states adopted different approaches towards ethnic diversity. Whether states sought to assimilate, accommodate, or exclude ethnic minorities had distinct consequences over the subsequent level of ethnic diversity and public goods provision, which would endure until today.

Historically strong states also produced different outcomes than weaker ones in terms of ethnical identity and public goods provision. These outcomes would again persist to this day.

Delving into nation foundation processes

In ETHNICGOODS we use states as our main subject of study. These political entities play a key role in giving access to public services such as healthcare or sanitation infrastructure, but also as shapers of identity through language policies or education. We investigate the creation and evolution of states in order to identify possible factors that account for the actual association between ethnic heterogeneity and the level of public performance.

In particular, we focus on the role of initial strategies for nation-building* and the historical variations of state capacity*

Delving into nation foundation processes

In ETHNICGOODS we use states as our main subject of study. These political entities play a key role in giving access to public services such as healthcare or sanitation infrastructure, but also as shapers of identity through language policies or education. We investigate the creation and evolution of states in order to identify possible factors that account for the actual association between ethnic heterogeneity and the level of public performance.

In particular, we focus on the role of initial strategies for nation-building* and the historical variations of state capacity*

Upon their creation, modern nation-states adopted different approaches towards ethnic diversity. Whether states sought to assimilate, accommodate, or exclude ethnic minorities had distinct consequences over the subsequent level of ethnic diversity and public goods provision, which would endure until today.

Historically strong states also produced different outcomes than weaker ones in terms of ethnical identity and public goods provision. These outcomes would again persist to this day.