Ethnic Conflict and International Politics: Explaining Diffusion and Escalation

Combining theoretical analyses with case studies, this book increases understanding of the internationalization, diffusion and escalation of ethnic conflict. The essays stand at the nexus of comparative politics and international relations, examining the influence on ethnic conflict of the weakening of state institutional structures, the role of non-state regional and international actors, changes in the ethnic balance of power, and the degree of economic, social, and cultural integration within the regional or global system. The variety of approaches provides useful analytical tools for students, while the diversity of cases from different regions gives the reader a sense of the scope of such problems.

"A stimulating analysis focusing on the link between internal state structures and the internationalization of ethnic conflict. Ethnic Conflict And International Politics is likely to become a part of the ongoing dialogue on these connections well into the future."—Donald Rothchild, University of California, Davis

"This book is a refreshing and powerful application of international relations theory to cross-border ethnic conflicts, effectively examining the diffusion of ethnic conflicts from one state to another and the escalation of ethnic conflicts within the state. The clear presentation of theoretical concepts combined with the case studies selected from Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa enhance the usefulness of this volume in the classroom."—Sandra Joireman, Wheaton College

Steven E. Lobell is Associate Professor of Political Science and Philip Mauceri is Associate Professor of Political Science, both at the University of Northern Iowa.