Today, ethnic violence accounts for the majority of the world's conflicts. The question is how ethnic difference is to be recognized. This book argues that the task is to pre-empt destructive forms of interaction between states and peoples. Autonomy arrangements have, since the 1920s, helped to resolve ethno-national conflicts in Europe. Measures reviewed include cultural independence and political representation.

Today, ethnic violence accounts for the majority of the world's conflicts. The question is how ethnic difference is to be recognized. The task is to pre-empt destructive forms of interaction between states and peoples. Autonomy arrangements have, since the 1920s, helped to resolve ethno-national conflicts in Europe. Measures include cultural independence and political representation. Outside Europe, the demand for self-governance led to a deepening of the classic form of minority protection. Federalization, decentralization, and territorial self-governance are proven means of averting conflict. Conflict prevention means a turning-away from the cultural monopolism of nation-states.