Democratizing the Hegemonic State: Political Transformation in the Age of Identity

This book explores alternative ways of solving political conflicts between ethnic groups in deeply divided societies. Through a detailed analysis of 14 different countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East, Peleg creates a framework that will allow humanity to move toward a solution to some of the bloodiest conflicts in history. Long-lasting solutions cannot be found by merely granting individuals equal rights, but by recognizing the rights of distinct groups. This book examines the most important political and ethical issue of the contemporary world: the future of deeply divided societies dominated by ethnic politics.

Ilan Peleg is the Editor-in-Chief of Israel Studies Forum (since 2000), the author of Begin's Foreign Policy, 1977–1983: Israel's Turn to the Right (1987) and of Human Rights in the West Bank and Gaza: Legacy and Politics (1995, selected as Choice Outstanding Academic Title in 1996), and many other scholarly books and articles. His recent studies have appeared in journals including Nations and Nationalism, the Middle East Journal, and Nationalism and Ethnic Politics. Dr Peleg's expertise is in ethnic relations in deeply divided societies, Middle East politics, Israeli society, and US foreign policy, and he has spoken on these topics on CNN, Voice of America, and National Public Radio. Dr Peleg is the Charles A. Dana Professor of Government and Law at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania.