This book provides an authoritative and systematic analysis of the politics of so- called ‘deeply divided societies' in the post Cold War era. From Bosnia to South Africa, Northern Ireland to Iraq, it explains why such places are so prone to political violence, and demonstrates why - even in times of peace - the fear of violence continues to shape attitudes, entrenching divisions in societies that already lack consensus on their political institutions.
Combining intellectual rigour and accessibility, it examines the challenge of establishing order and justice in such unstable environments, and critically assesses a range of political options available, from partition to power-sharing and various initiatives to promote integration. The Politics of Deeply Divided Societies is an ideal resource for students of comparative politics and related disciplines, as well as anyone with an interest in the dynamics of ethnic conflict and nationalism.
* Exam copies only available to lecturers for whom the book may be suitable as a course text.
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"A very good introductory text for anyone interested in the sources of divisions in pluralistic societies, as well as the successes and failures of the management of intercommunal differences - highly recommended."
Global Policy
"A distinguished expert in deeply divided societies, Guelke skilfully unpacks the challenges facing societies divided by ethnicity, religion, and race and tackles the critical dilemmas encountered by those seeking to design durable conflict-mitigating institutions. The Politics in Deeply Divided Societies will stimulate current scholarship and nurture the next generation of students."
Neophytos G. Loizides, University of Kent
"This volume offers a highly readable and sophisticated analysis of deeply divided societies - countries that are at the root of both domestic strife and international conflict. Guelke's treatment is a concise but impressive tour de force of an essential area of ethnic politics. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the management of inter-ethnic conflict and in the promotion of sustainable democracy in some of the world's least stable polities."
Ilan Peleg, Middle East Institute, Washington, DC
"Politics in Deeply Divided Societies provides a comprehensive, lucid and deeply insightful analysis of societies struggling with ethnic, religious, class and other divisions that often produce violence and failed political systems. Drawing on a wide range of important cases, this excellent book also assesses lucidly the varying consequences of these struggles, for instance partition, and offers a balanced presentation of techniques for overcoming them."
David E. Schmitt, Northeastern University
1. Introduction
2. The characteristics of deeply divided societies
3. Violence, order and justice
4. The challenge of policing
5. Limits to integration
6. Partition and population transfer
7. Power-sharing and political accommodation
8. External mediation
9. Conclusion
Bibliography
