Referendums and Ethnic Conflict

Matt Qvortrup's Referendums and Ethnic Conflict is a systematic study of referendums used to settle ethnonational conflicts, offering a comparative and empirical analysis of all referendums held from the French Revolution to 2012. It creates typologies of referendums and considers the circumstances that compel politicians to resort to direct democracy, as well as the conditions that might exacerbate a violent response. The updated and revised edition includes a new introduction, specific sections on Scotland, Catalonia, and the Brexit vote, and updates referendum results through 2020.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 05 April 2022
Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press

Introduction:
Referendums have been employed for centuries to address ethnonational conflicts, yet a comprehensive study or generalized theory regarding their effectiveness has been lacking until Matt Qvortrup's seminal work, "Referendums and Ethnic Conflict." Qvortrup's study addressed this gap by conducting a comparative and empirical analysis of all referendums held on ethnic and national issues from the French Revolution to the 2012 referendum on statehood for Puerto Rico. Drawing upon political theory and descriptive case studies, the scholar developed typologies of referendums that serve various purposes, such as endorsing secession, redrawing disputed borders, legitimizing a policy of homogenization, or managing ethnic or national differences.

Key Findings:
Qvortrup's study shed light on the circumstances that compel politicians to resort to direct democracy, such as regime change, and the conditions that may exacerbate violent responses. He provided a clear-eyed assessment of the challenges and opportunities associated with seeking conflict resolution through referendums. Additionally, the revised edition includes a new introduction that brings the general field up to date, as well as new specific sections on Scotland (2014), Catalonia (2017), and the Brexit vote in the United Kingdom (2016). The original work's political framework now encompasses the literature on identity politics, online campaigning, social media regulation, and the growing use of referendums as populist devices. Furthermore, the edition has been updated to include referendum results through the end of 2020.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Matt Qvortrup's "Referendums and Ethnic Conflict" is a groundbreaking work that has significantly contributed to our understanding of the role of referendums in resolving ethnonational conflicts. Through its comprehensive analysis and insightful typologies, the study has provided valuable insights into the circumstances that drive referendums, the challenges they present, and the potential for peaceful outcomes. This revised edition further enhances the book's relevance and impact by incorporating recent developments and updating referendum results. As we navigate the complex dynamics of ethnic and national conflicts, Qvortrup's work serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, scholars, and activists alike.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780812225266
Edition number: 2 ed