Why are so many inter ethnic conflicts?

yes, there are inter-ethnic conflicts, but i am not sure that they are that many. majority of the population are happy to live with others who are different from them. however, it is true that we tend to identify with our own group and discriminate the other groups. it is called ethnocentrism and it is a challenge for every human being to overcome this tendency to look at its own group as superior and looking down on other groups. education is a major equalizer and eliminator of this tendency. the higher educated people tend to be fine with other groups.

maybe it's because people feel threatened when they see, feel, or hear something different from how they were brought up or from their culture, religion or way of life. People will react with suspicions, anger and hatred which will be translated to violence and fights. Most of the time people feels safe when they see a familiar environment or something that is at least similar to their own. It will take time for people to realize that we have to respect each other differences for us to survive in this planet.

People are different and there are people who just thinks that they're better than the others that's why it happens. That's a reason either you or me won't understand in a million years.