Description
Book SynopsisThis comprehensive volume examines fifteen cases across the world where a violent or semi-violent conflict exists between a national minority inhabiting a region in a larger independent country and the government of that country. It studies the reasons for the growth of national separatism and the failure of attempts to reconcile the dissident regions to the national government. The book outlines the urgent need for a new ''quantumised'' status of a kind that could satisfy the national minorities without alienating the governments; such an agreement could allow the national minority home rule powers over internal affairs, while leaving the management of foreign affairs and the international profile of the larger country to the central government. Identity Politics breaks new ground and challenges several accepted views of the minimum requirement for the existence of a state. Ideally suited to courses on security studies, conflict resolution and international relations, the book will a
Trade Review’...a fascinating and lucid account of the identity politics and national separatism...While offering a historical framework, and up-to-date analysis of ethnic/national/religious conflicts, the book also deals with key concepts from the study of International Relations and Politics. At the same time, this book is a clear reflection of a long-standing and passionate commitment to peace and human security.’ Dr Bulent Gokay, Keele University, UK ’This challenging and stimulating study examines the problems of resolving conflict in 15 different countries, which have been subject to tension and often violence between the central government and dissident national minorities. It argues, intelligently and sometimes provocatively, that "a quantum leap to a new concept of decentralisation" is needed if peacemaking is to have any chance of lasting success.’ Professor William Tordoff, University of Manchester, UK '...provide[s] useful guidelines to a fast changing scene which needs to be followed closely...' Transnational Perspectives
Table of ContentsContents: Introduction; States of former Yugoslavia; India, the vale of Kashmir and the Naga Hills; the Tamils in Sri Lanka; The union of Myanmar: the Karens; The Kurdish areas in Turkey, Iran and Iraq; The Turkish areas in the Republic of Cyprus; The Basque provinces in Spain; Chechnya in the Russian Republic; The case of the Sudan: north and south; Taiwan and People's Republic of Mainland China; Dealing with marginal cases; Conclusion; Bibliography; Index.
