Anvesak

Anvesak Vol. 56(1), 2026, pp. 20-33 Received: 25 September 2025; Accepted: 16 March 2026 EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN UNHAPPINESS AND CONFLICT: EVIDENCE FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE KAMALIKA DASGUPTA AND SIDDHARTHA MITRA Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India Abstract: This paper explores the intricate relationship between unhappiness and conflict, shedding light on the multifaceted dynamics that connect these two fundamental aspects of human experience. The research investigates how unhappiness, stemming from socio-economic factors and Ethno-linguistic Fractionalization (ELF), can create a fertile ground for conflicts at the international level. We attempt to gather empirical evidence, which illustrates the manners in which societal discontent can manifest in various forms of conflict. Structural Equation Model (SEM) is employed to analyze the both way causation. Preliminary empirical findings imply that overall feeling of Happiness and Ethnic Fractionalization significantly affect the occurrence and intensity of conflicts across the globe. It also points towards some specific socio-economic indicators, which if improved, can decrease the conflict fatalities through the increase in mass happiness. Through examining the interplay of different administrative, social and economic parameters, this research contributes to the understanding of how unhappiness and conflict are intertwined in human experience, with implications for fostering a more peaceful and harmonious world. Keywords: Unhappiness, Conflict, Inequality, Polarization, Ethnic fractionalization, SEM