Ethnic conflict has been the driving force of wars all over the
world, yet it remains an enigma. What is it about ethnicity that
breaks countries apart and drives people to acts of savage violence
against their lifelong neighbors?
Stuart Kaufman rejects the notion of "natural", permanent ethnic
hatreds as the answer. Dissatisfied as well with a purely
rationalist explanation, he finds the roots of ethnic violence in
myths and symbols, the stories ethnic groups tell about who they
are. Ethnic wars, Kaufman argues, result from the politics of these
myths and symbols -- appeals to flags and faded glories that aim to
stir emotions rather than to address interests. Popular hostility
based on these myths impels groups to follow extremist leaders
invoking such emotion-laden ethnic symbols. If ethnic domination
becomes their goal, ethnic war is the likely result.
Kaufman examines contemporary ethnic wars in the Caucasus and
southeastern Europe. Drawing on information from a variety of
sources, including visits to the regions and dozens of personal
interviews, he demonstrates that diplomacy and economic incentives
are not enough to prevent or end ethnic wars. The key to real
conflict resolution is peace-building -- the often-overlooked
effort by nongovernmental organizations to change hostile attitudes
at both the elite and the grassroots levels.
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