Representations of Identity and the Crisis Triangle

by Bernath, Amy L.

Examines representations of “Arab” and “African” identities in the Darfur conflict made by American media, American government, and American advocacy groups in an attempt to determine whether these actors create primarily primordialist or primarily constructivist representations of identity. Changes in representation of identity over time are also considered. Media sources are found to create primordialist representations of identity. Inconclusive evidence indicates that government actors also create primordialist representations of identity. Advocacy groups are found to create constructivist representations of identity. Recommendations for further research are given.