Identity matters : ethnic and sectarian conflict /

This work focuses on the politicization of ethnic/sectarian identity: when it happens, under what conditions, and how it is more likely to lead to conflict. The volume compiles the theoretical and empirical work of a number of participants in the Fulbright Foundation's New Century Scholars program, which brought together scholars after 9/11 to do research and report on this topic. Due to its origins, it resembles a book on conference proceedings. A strong first chapter by David Brown sets parameters for examining the central issues. The remaining chapters look at cases as varied as the new immigration in Europe, ethnic identity in postcolonial Asia and Africa, and the conflicting Western and Islamic identities in places such as Pakistan. Each case study is interesting in itself, and the summative chapter returns to overarching themes; nevertheless, the theoretic framework offered breaks little new ground. It may prove useful in an undergraduate course on ethnic conflict, but is not likely to be very useful for scholars or graduate students. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates. S. P. Duffy Quinnipiac University