James and Goetze bring together contributors of varied
backgrounds, ranging from evolutionary theorists to game theorists
to analysts of specific ethnic conflict. Their work represents a
coherent attempt at evaluating the usefulness of evolutionary
theories for explaining ethnic phenomena and demonstrates how these
theories can be applied in attempts to elucidate real-world
behaviors.
This study found that kinship theory that posits evolved
dispositions to form cooperative bonds with family, ethnic groups
and other social groups may go a long way in accounting for the
formation of ethnic groups. Also, ingroup-outgroup theory may
contribute to understanding how group conflict commences. Likewise,
the description of evolved mechanisms for discerning threat, for
building reputations, and for recognizing individuals, groups, and
states as possible cooperators and long-term allies may facilitate
explanation of the outbreak and avoidance of group conflicts. This
also may explain the design of conscious strategies for conflict
prevention and resolution. Nonetheless, several contributors take a
more critical stance and offer ample reason why building these
explanations may prove elusive or at least troublesome given the
complex character of human societies. This work is a provocative
resource for scholars, students, and other researchers involved
with ethnicity and ethnic conflict, international relations, social
psychology, and social anthropology.
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