Ethnic groups in conflict

Based on his knowledge of ethnically divided societies in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean, Horowitz contends that the spread of ethnic conflict is inversely related to the proliferation of democracy in developing societies. He examines the concept and foundations of ethnicity, and the causes of ethnic conflict such as envy among different groups, and efforts at secession from a national whole. He also answers such questions as: Why are ethnic affiliations conducive to severe conflict? Why is ethnic conflict more intense and violent in Asia and Africa than in Europe and North America? Why do political parties in severely divided societies split along ethnic lines? Why do ethnically based military coups frequently occur in developing countries just when their politics seem most competitive and democratic? He concludes with solutions to reduce the severity of ethnic conflict and to maximize interethnic cooperation. ISBN 0-520-05385-0: $25.00.

pt. 1. Ethnic relations and ethnic affiliations: The dimensions of ethnic conflict ; A family resemblance -- pt. 2. The theory of ethnic conflict:Conflict theory and conflict motives ; Group comparison and the sources of conflict ; Group entitlement and the sources of conflict ; The logic of secessions and irredentas -- pt. 3. Party politics and ethnic conflict: Ethnic parties and ethnic systems ; Competition and change in ethnic party systems ; Multiethnic coalitions ; Multiethnic alliances and parties -- pt. 4. Military politics and thnic conflict: The militarization of ethnic conflict ; Paradigms of military ethnicity ; The effects of intervention and the art of prevention -- pt. 5. Strategies of ethnic reduction: Ethnic policy : the constraints and the opportunities ; Structural techniques to reduce ethnic conflict ; Preferential policies to reduce ethnic conflict -- Afterword: Ethnic conflict and democracy.