An Introduction To Ethnic Conflict

by Esman, Milton J.

• ISBN13: 9780745631172
• ISBN10: 0745631177
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-09-03
• Publisher: Polity

Summary

Written by one of the world's leading scholars in the field, this book provides an excellent introduction to ethnic conflict in the contemporary world. In ten concise chapters, Milton Esman explores the origins of ethnic pluralism and analyses the causes and manifestations of conflicts, both peaceful and violent, involving ethnic communities across the globe. He discusses the role of outsider-governments, diasporas, international agencies, and non-government organizations in provoking and managing ethnic conflicts, and appraises methods which have proven effective for their peaceful resolution. The book concludes with a look at the future of ethnic conflict and argues for the need to regulate such conflicts in an increasingly interdependent world. Enriched by a plethora of apt examples drawn from all continents, with end of chapter summaries and a glossary of key terms, this textbook is essential reading for all students of politics, international relations and political sociology.

Author Biography

Milton J. Esman is John S. Knight Professor of International Studies and Emeritus Professor of Government, Cornell University.

Table of Contents

Foreword	1	(2)
Incidence and Scope of Ethnic Conflict	3	(24)
Ethnic pluralism	3	(1)
Contemporary scope of ethnic conflict	4	(2)
Conflicts, peaceful and violent	6	(2)
Collective identities	8	(4)
Ethnicity and class	12	(2)
Strategies and opportunities	14	(3)
Theories and equities	17	(6)
Globalization and ethnic solidarities	23	(3)
Conclusion	26	(1)
Ethnic Sentiments and Solidarities: Collective Identities	27	(23)
The three persuasions	30	(10)
Ethnicity and nationalism	40	(5)
Divisions and factions	45	(3)
Conclusion	48	(2)
Origins of Ethnic Pluralism	50	(20)
Sources of ethnic pluralism	51	(6)
Self-determination of peoples	57	(5)
Pluralism, competition, and mobilization	62	(7)
Conclusion	69	(1)
For What Do They Contend?	70	(23)
Types of ethnic conflict	70	(1)
What precipitates conflicts?	71	(3)
The bones of contention	74	(12)
Numbers games	86	(2)
Rational and non-rational interpretations of ethnic conflict	88	(3)
Conclusion	91	(2)
The Contemporary State and Outsider Intervention	93	(27)
Apportioning benefits and costs	93	(2)
Three postures	95	(5)
Criminal and predatory exploitation of ethnic solidarities	100	(2)
External influences on ethnic conflict	102	(6)
Intervention to prevent or terminate ethnic conflict	108	(8)
Foreign aid and ethnic conflict	116	(2)
Conclusion	118	(2)
Patterns of Pluralism I: Domination	120	(16)
Exclusionary domination	120	(5)
Inclusionary domination: assimilation	125	(3)
Minority rights	128	(4)
Middleman minorities	132	(2)
Conclusion	134	(2)
Patterns of Pluralism II: Power-sharing	136	(19)
Federalism	137	(5)
Consociationalism	142	(4)
Federalism and consociationalism in combination	146	(2)
Transitions	148	(5)
Non-formal power-sharing	153	(1)
Conclusion	154	(1)
Patterns of Pluralism III: Integration	155	(17)
Ethnic pluralism and liberal individualism	155	(4)
Two dimensions of integration	159	(6)
Persistent barriers to integration	165	(4)
The open society: liberator or executioner?	169	(1)
Conclusion	170	(2)
The Management of Ethnic Conflict	172	(23)
Conflict management in domination systems	173	(4)
Conflict management in power-sharing systems	177	(8)
Conflict management in integrative systems	185	(6)
Allocation formulas	191	(3)
Conclusion	194	(1)
What of the Future?	195	(13)
Three scenarios	195	(2)
From modernization to globalization	197	(1)
Chronic roots of conflict	198	(3)
Terrorism	201	(1)
Lessons learned	202	(6)
Suggested Readings	208	(3)
Glossary	211	(2)
Notes	213	(14)
Index	227