Overview

Although referendums have been used for centuries to settle ethnonational conflicts, there has yet been no systematic study or generalized theory concerning their effectiveness. Referendums and Ethnic Conflict fills the gap with a comparative and empirical analysis of all the referendums held on ethnic and national issues from the French Revolution to the 2012 referendum on statehood for Puerto Rico. Drawing on political theory and descriptive case studies, Matt Qvortrup creates typologies of referendums that are held to endorse secession, redraw disputed borders, legitimize a policy of homogenization, or otherwise manage ethnic or national differences. He considers the circumstances that compel politicians to resort to direct democracy, such as regime change, and the conditions that might exacerbate a violent response. Qvortrup offers a clear-eyed assessment of the problems raised when conflict resolution is sought through referendum as well as the conditions that are likely to lead to peaceful outcomes. This original political framework will provide a vital resource in the ongoing investigation into how democracy and nationalism may be reconciled.

Full Product Details

Author:   Matt Qvortrup
Publisher:   University of Pennsylvania Press
Imprint:   University of Pennsylvania Press
Edition:   2nd edition
Dimensions:   Width: 15.20cm , Height: 2.10cm , Length: 22.90cm
Weight:   0.485kg
ISBN:  

9780812245806

ISBN 10:   0812245806
Pages:   200
Publication Date:   05 March 2014
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Tertiary & Higher Education ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Reviews

A most impressive and crucially important contribution to the comparative and historical study of nationalism and democracy. * Arend Lijphart, former President of the American Political Science Association * A valuable and comprehensive study of a much-too-neglected subject, both for democratic theory and for conflict management. * Donald L. Horowitz, Duke University *

A most impressive and crucially important contribution to the comparative and historical study of nationalism and democracy. -Arend Lijphart, former President of the American Political Science Association A valuable and comprehensive study of a much-too-neglected subject, both for democratic theory and for conflict management. -Donald L. Horowitz, Duke University

Author Information

Called ""a world authority on referendums"" by the Financial Times, Matt Qvortrup is Senior Lecturer of Comparative Politics at the Center for International Security and Resilience at Cranfield University and Visiting Fellow at the Institute of Contemporary British History at King's College London.

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