Conflicts labeled as "ethnic" are not always solely about ethnicity. The reasons behind heightened awareness of ethnic differences in conflicts need to be understood. Factors like the strength of the state system and its ability to manage ethnic tensions play a significant role in shaping these conflicts. Ethnic groups involved in conflict may have coexisted peacefully in the past, showing that conflicts are not always rooted in deep-seated hatreds. The lines between ethnic groups can also become blurred over time due to intermarriage and cultural changes. It's important to look beyond ethnicity to uncover the true causes of conflict and the conditions that lead to severe ethnic tensions.