Political Science

Identity and institutions: Conflict reduction in divided societies

Document Type

Book

Abstract

How can conflicts between various nationalist/ethnic groups be reduced? Combining theory with case studies of Spain and Ireland, Neal G. Jesse and Kristen P. Williams develop an argument favoring a solution that links resolving issues of identity and perceptions of inequality to the establishment of cross-national, democratic institutions. These institutions can affect deeply held attitudes by promoting overlapping identities and pooling sovereignty. Overlapping identities reduce tension by creating an atmosphere where different ethnic groups lose their strict definitions of Self and Other. Pooling sovereignty across a number of international (and national) representative bodies leads to increased access to governmental policymaking for all parties involved, with each nationalist/ethnic group having a stake in government. Increased access, moreover, reduces threat perceptions and ethnic security dilemmas, and increases trust-all of which play an important role in overcoming such conflicts. © 2005 State University of New York All rights reserved.

Publication Title

Identity and Institutions: Conflict Reduction in Divided Societies

Publication Date

12-1-2005

First Page

1

Last Page

194

ISBN

9780791464519

Keywords

ethnic conflict, Ireland, Spain, conflict resolution, international relations

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS