The alphabetically arranged work under review covers Ethnic Cleansing and other expected topics, but also such lesser-known issues as internal colonialism and Third World colonialism (in the entry Colonialism). The entry Kurds is an example of the interweaving of statistics with background information on a conflict to present a clear portrait. The articles are succinct but lengthy enough (seven pages on Indigenous Rights) to convey a full understanding of the material and will be accessible to high-school students as well as adults.

Cross-references are noted at the end of articles, and see references are sometimes provided, though use of the index is still necessary. For example, there is no see reference from Tutsi to Hutu and Tutsi, but Tutsi is listed in the index. Assistance in pronunciation would have been helpful at various entries. Information is current; for example, the April 1994 South African election and the June 1994 French presence in Rwanda are noted. Black-and-white photographs and tables illustrate and clarify the text. After each entry, bibliographic references, including both classic and current titles, direct the user to further sources. Following the entries is a 17-item annotated "Directory of International Organizations Concerned with Ethnic Relations," which includes such lesser-known groups as Cultural Survival. A bibliography of works cited and an accurate index complete the work.

Medium-size to large public libraries, high-school libraries, and academic libraries will find Ethnic Relations: A Cross-Cultural Encyclopedia useful and fascinating reading.


Publisher: ABC-CLIO (January 1, 1995)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780874367355
ISBN-13: 978-0874367355