Ethnic Conflict: A Systematic Approach to Cases of Conflict

As ethnic groups clash, the international community faces the challenge of understanding the multiple causes of violence and formulating solutions that will bring about peace. Allowing for greater insight, Jesse and Williams bridge two sub-fields of political science in Ethnic Conflict―international relations and comparative politics. They systematically apply a "levels of analysis" framework, looking at the individual, domestic, and international contexts to better explore and understand its complexity. Five case study chapters apply the book’s framework to disputes around the world and include coverage of Bosnia, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Northern Ireland, Sri Lanka, and Sudan. Never losing sight of their analytical framework, the authors provide richly detailed case studies that help students understand both the unique and shared causes of each conflict.

Students will appreciate the book’s logical presentation and excellent pedagogical features including detailed maps that show political, demographic, and cultural data.

Neal G. Jesse is chair and associate professor of political science at Bowling Green State University. His research on Britain, Ireland, electoral systems, party systems, and ethnic conflict has appeared in journals such as Electoral Studies, International Political Science Review, International Studies Quarterly, Political Psychology, New Hibernia Review/Iris Éireannach Nua, and Representation. His books include Identity and Institutions: Conflict Reduction in Divided Societies, co-authored with Kristen Williams.

Kristen P. Williams is associate professor of government and international relations at Clark University. Her books include: Despite Nationalist Conflicts: Theory and Practice of Maintaining World Peace; Identity and Institutions: Conflict Reduction in Divided Societies (co-authored with Neal Jesse); Women, the State, and War: A Comparative Perspective on Citizenship and Nationalism (co-authored with Joyce P. Kaufman); and World Politics in a New Era, 4th Edition (co-authored with Steven Spiegel, Jennifer Taw, and Elizabeth Matthews). She is completing a book with Joyce P. Kaufman, What Happened to the Women? A Study of Women’s Political Activism(forthcoming).