Government Policies and Ethnic Relations in Asia and the Pacific (BCSIA Studies in International Security) [Paperback]

Michael E. Brown (Editor), Šumit Ganguly (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0262522454 | ISBN-13: 978-0262522458 | Publication Date: October 10, 1997

Ethnic conflict, one of the most serious and widespread problems in the world today, can undermine efforts to promote political and economic development, as well as political, economic, and social justice. It can also lead to violence and open warfare, producing horrifying levels of death and destruction. Although government policies on ethnic issues often have profound effects on a country, the subject has been neglected by most scholars and analysts.This volume analyzes different policies governments have pursued in their efforts to contend with the tensions inherent in multiethnic societies. The book focuses on Asia and the Pacific, the most populous and economically vibrant part of the world. The heart of the book is a set of case studies of government policies in sixteen countries: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, China, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Federated States of Micronesia. The studies consider a wide range of political, economic, educational, linguistic, and cultural policies, and how these policies have evolved over time. Using a broad comparative perspective to assess the effectiveness of different governmental approaches, the authors offer policy recommendations that cut across individual countries and regions.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is an outstanding work that opens up new perspectives for understanding ethnic conflict." Foreign Affairs

About the Author

Michael E. Brown is Dean of the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University. Sumit Ganguly is Professor of Government at the University of Texas at Austin.

Product Details

• Paperback: 624 pages
• Publisher: The MIT Press (October 10, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0262522454
• ISBN-13: 978-0262522458
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,579,364 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)