Written by one of the world’s leading scholars in the field, this book provides an excellent introduction to ethnic conflict in the contemporary world. In ten concise chapters, Milton Esman explores the origins of ethnic pluralism and analyses the causes and manifestations of conflicts, both peaceful and violent, involving ethnic communities across the globe. He discusses the role of outsider-governments, diasporas, international agencies, and non-government organizations in provoking and managing ethnic conflicts, and appraises methods which have proven effective for their peaceful resolution. The book concludes with a look at the future of ethnic conflict and argues for the need to regulate such conflicts in an increasingly interdependent world. Enriched by a plethora of apt examples drawn from all continents, with end of chapter summaries and a glossary of key terms, this textbook is essential reading for all students of politics, international relations and political sociology.