Identity Formation Under Conditions of Violence: Theoretical Frameworks and Empirical Evidence

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The current study examines how Baloch ethnic identity has evolved under the impact of historical, cultural, political and socioeconomic factors under violent circumstances. The study explores the historical aspects of roots, cultural and linguistic aspect, tribalism, political boundaries and challenges being faced by Baloch groups. Study further explores the reasons for migrations and different civilizations in context of Baluchistan. The study found that the state strict approaches in Baluchistan and violent conditions have greatly influenced the process of Baloch identity formation. The study also attempted to answer the questions of how Baloch identity formation has been a nationalistic feeling. The nature of the paper is qualitative, and many facts of history are evaluated to investigate historical events and situations that had impact on the emergence of Baloch ethnic identity in Baluchistan. This paper is conceptualised with combination of two theories first is “Ethnicity and Identity Construction theory”, and second is “Social Identity Theory.” Both theories narrate how a cultural identity is mobilized into collective action and eventually led to ethno nationalist movements. The topic is diverse in nature and dedicated efforts have been made to explain rise of nationalism in Balochistan and effects and causes that ends up in ethno national movements. Both theories collectively support identity formation of Balochistan and evidence explain how people of Balochistan and state emerges as conflicting actors. At the end empirical analysis proved that both state and Baloch tribes feel ontologically insecure hence drawing the conclusion that Balochistan – State conflict in neither economic nor relative deprivation rather it is social conflict indeed.