Most African countries suffer from crises of national identity that are rooted in the formation of pluralistic states, characterised by gross inequities among the component groups. This situation has its roots in colonialism, but instead of seeking remedies and addressing these disparities, many post-independent African governments adopted wholesale the constitutional models of their colonisers. United Nations Advisor Francis M. Deng addresses the challenge faced by these countries and attempts to tackle the difficulties inherent in managing such diversity.

Focusing especially on the era since the Cold War, political scientists, other scholars, and government officials examine both empirically and conceptually the causes and impacts of people striving for self-determination and autonomy. They consider the legal, political-administrative, ethnic-cultural, economic, and strategic dimensions; and try to consider examples from all major regions. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

This book examines the conceptual and political history of the right of self-determination of peoples.

Review: "During the past decade there has emerged growing criticism largely from anti-essentialist social scientists and multicultural politicians advocating a critique of ethnic and indigenous movements, accompanied by a general backlash in governmental policies and public opinion towards ideigneous communities. This book focuses on the implication of change for indigenous peoples, their political, legal and cultural strategies."--BOOK JACKET

"A Joint Publication of Fordham University Press and The Center for International Humanitarian Cooperation."