Rumor Dynamics in Ethnic Violence

摘要: Most scholars believe that rumors spark ethnic violence around the world, yet political scientists have been slow to understand dynamics of these rumors, including whether they emerge and survive as a matter course or require certain preconditions. Because empirical observation cannot readily answer this question, we use agent-based modeling explore rumor survival depends on selected group follower leader characteristics. Our first set experiments assumes one group. They show violence-promoting are not inevitable, nor leaders necessary for their propagation. But peaks when espouse extreme beliefs interact frequently with followers. second rival groups whose members limited basis. Some confirm one-group conclusions. Others reveal group's persist in advocating moderation, propagation remains low both groups. Finally, lea...