Description
Book SynopsisThe Dilemmas of Ethnic Policy: A Global Perspective argues that ethnic conflict increases or decreases in relation to changes in the social structure and the location and distribution of political power. Ethnic grievances derive from lack of access to valued resources, and elites play a crucial role in allocating those resources. This book examines the experiences of five countries with a history of ethnic conflict: former Yugoslavia/Bosnia-Herzegovina, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States. It finds that in many cases, solutions adopted to mitigate ethnic conflict have unintended consequences. Often, supposed solutions confuse cause and effect and in fact worsen ethnic conflict. Attempts to address identity issues by pandering to them often led to further ethnic demands. This book argues that, based on the experiences of the countries under examination, the best course is to adopt policies that encourage alliances between and among ethnic groups.
Table of ContentsChapter 1 The Bases of Ethnic Conflict Chapter 2 Ethnic Policy in Guyana Chapter 3 Ethnic Policy in Trinidad and Tobago Chapter 4 Ethnic Relations in the United States Chapter 5 Former Yugoslavia/Bosnia-Herzegovina Chapter 6 Ethnic Relations in Northern Ireland Chapter 7 Ethnic Conflict Policies and their Challenge
