American Indians and the Trouble with Sovereignty: A Turn Toward Structural Self-Determination

This study explores how tribes work with state and local governments to overcome governance challenges, challenging the concept of tribal sovereignty and offering an alternative framework based on federalism and freedom in the republican tradition.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 151 pages
Publication date: 10 February 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This study explores the intricate dynamics between tribes and state and local governments as they navigate the complexities of governance, particularly in the context of American electoral politics. As tribes and individual Indians become more involved in the political landscape, the need for effective collaboration and coordination becomes paramount. However, traditional notions of tribal sovereignty often hinder this collaboration, creating tensions and challenges in intergovernmental affairs.

The author delves into the underlying causes of this tension, examining the limitations of existing theories that fail to adequately address the unique challenges faced by tribes in their interactions with governments. Kessler-Mata presents a compelling argument for tribal sovereignty to be understood and pursued not as an end in itself but as a means to foster interdependence and cooperation. By adopting a federalism and freedom framework rooted in the republican tradition, the author offers an alternative perspective on the goals and aspirations of tribal self-determination.

Through a comprehensive analysis of case studies and empirical evidence, the study sheds light on the successful strategies employed by tribes to overcome governance challenges and achieve their goals. It highlights the importance of building strong relationships, promoting transparency and accountability, and leveraging federal resources to support tribal initiatives. The study also emphasizes the need for policymakers and stakeholders to recognize and respect the distinct perspectives and needs of tribes, fostering a collaborative and inclusive approach to governance.

In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between tribes and governments, highlighting the need for innovative and collaborative approaches to governance. By embracing federalism, freedom, and interdependence, tribes can thrive in the political landscape and work towards achieving their self-determination goals. The findings of this study have implications for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars alike, as they seek to promote effective and sustainable governance for all communities.

Introduction:
With tribes and individual Indians increasingly participating in American electoral politics, the need for effective collaboration and coordination between tribes and state and local governments has become increasingly important. Traditional notions of tribal sovereignty often hinder this collaboration, creating tensions and challenges in intergovernmental affairs. This study aims to explore the ways in which tribes work together with state and local governments to overcome significant governance challenges.

Tensions and Challenges in Intergovernmental Affairs:
Much scholarship on tribal governance continues to rely on a concept of tribal sovereignty that does not allow for or help structure this type of governance activity. This creates a tension between the traditional understanding of tribal autonomy and the need for collaboration with other governments. The resulting tension is illuminated in this study, and the limits of existing theory are confronted.

Kessler-Mata's Argument for Tribal Sovereignty:
Kessler-Mata presents an argument for tribal sovereignty to be normatively understood and pragmatically pursued through efforts aimed at interdependence, not autonomy. By turning toward theories of federalism and freedom in the republican tradition, the author provides an alternative framework for thinking about the goals and aspirations of tribal self-determination.

Federalism and Freedom Framework:
Kessler-Mata advocates for a federalism and freedom framework that recognizes the unique status and rights of tribes while also promoting interdependence with other governments. This framework recognizes the importance of tribal self-determination and the need for collaboration with other levels of government to achieve common goals.

Case Studies and Empirical Evidence:
The study includes a comprehensive analysis of case studies and empirical evidence to support the argument for tribal sovereignty and the federalism and freedom framework. These studies highlight the successful strategies employed by tribes to overcome governance challenges and achieve their goals. The study also emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships, promoting transparency and accountability, and leveraging federal resources to support tribal initiatives.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between tribes and governments, highlighting the need for innovative and collaborative approaches to governance. By embracing federalism, freedom, and interdependence, tribes can thrive in the political landscape and work towards achieving their self-determination goals. The findings of this study have implications for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars alike, as they seek to promote effective and sustainable governance for all communities.

Weight: 233g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108402446
Edition number: New ed