American Indian Politics and the American Political System (Spectrum Series: Race and Ethnicity in National and Global Politics) - Softcover

Wilkins, David E.; Kiiwetinepinesiik Stark, Heidi

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1442203889 ISBN 13: 9781442203884

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2010

Synopsis

Now in its third edition, American Indian Politics is the most comprehensive study written from a political science perspective that analyzes the structures and functions of indigenous governments (including Alaskan Native communities and Hawaiian Natives) and the distinctive legal and political rights these nations exercise internally, while also examining the fascinating intergovernmental relationship that exists between native nations, the states, and the federal government. The third edition contains a number of important modifications. First, it is now co-authored by Heidi Kiiwetinepinesiik Stark, who brings a spirited new voice to the study. Second, it contains ample discussion of how President ObamaOs election has altered the dynamics of Indian Country politics and law. Third, it contains more discussion of women's issues, several new vignettes, an updated timeline, new photographs, and updated charts, tables, and figures.

About this title

About the Author:

David E. Wilkins is McKnight Presidential Professor of American Indian Studies at the University of Minnesota. Heidi Kiiwetinepinesiik Stark is assistant professor of American Indian Studies at the University of Minnesota at Duluth.

Review:

This book is a lively and accessible account of the remarkably complex legal and political situation of American Indian tribes and tribal citizens (who are also U.S. citizens). Wilkins and Kiiwetinepinesiik Stark have provided the “go to” source for a clear, yet detailed and sophisticated, introduction to tribal sovereignty and federal Indian policy. It is a valuable resource both for readers unfamiliar with the subject matter, and for readers in Native American Studies and related fields, who will appreciate the insightful and original scholarly analysis of the authors. (Thomas Biolsi)

American Indian Politics is simply an indispensable compendium of fact and reason on the historical and modern landscape of American Indian law and policy. No teacher or student of American Indian studies, no policymaker in American Indian policy, and no observer of American Indian history and law should do without this book. There is nothing in the field remotely as comprehensive, usable, and balanced as Wilkins and Stark's work. (Matthew L.M. Fletcher)

Praise for previous editions? Wilkins has written the first general study of contemporary Indians in the U.S. from the disciplinary standpoint of political science. His inclusion of legal matters results in sophisticated treatment of many contemporary issues involving Native American governments and the government of the U.S., and gives readers a good background for understanding other questions. The writing is clear?not a minor matter in such a complex subject?and short case histories are presented, plus links (including websites) to many sources of information. Intended for undergraduates, but also valuable for graduate students, researchers, and the serious general public... (Choice)

Praise for previous editions— Wilkins has written the first general study of contemporary Indians in the U.S. from the disciplinary standpoint of political science. His inclusion of legal matters results in sophisticated treatment of many contemporary issues involving Native American governments and the government of the U.S., and gives readers a good background for understanding other questions. The writing is clear—not a minor matter in such a complex subject—and short case histories are presented, plus links (including websites) to many sources of information. Intended for undergraduates, but also valuable for graduate students, researchers, and the serious general public. (Choice)

The first two editions of American Indian Politics and the American Political System were perhaps the best works available on the topic. They offered comprehensive coverage of topics ranging from the history of federal policy and tribal political economy to the various political actors and use of the media, were written in a manner that made sense of a difficult topic, and were extremely accessible. The third edition promises even better coverage and perspective with the addition of coauthor Kiiwetinepinesiik Stark....[T]here are relatively few changes from the first two editions, but they are important. The most notable change is merely the updating of information. American Indian politics/policy operates in a rapidly evolving and changing environment, making an update necessary. The book also differs in that the coauthor is able to introduce a different perspective, primarily in issues pertaining to Native women. Overall, the structure and topics covered remain essentially the same, which is good. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General readers, undergraduate students, and graduate students. (Choice)

About this edition

• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1442203889
• ISBN 13: 9781442203884
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 352