The post-Communist world has seen a dramatic revival of ethnicity and nationalism. Many of these societies are facing a crisis of staggering dimensions, since the movement towards full democracy also has to cope with widespread demands for self-determination and minority protection as well as the consequences of dismantling the totalitarian state.

The volume explores the contemporary sources, scope and intensity of nationality conflicts in the post-Communist world. The authors address themselves to the resurgence of ethnicity and nationalism, after perestroika and glasnost, within a disintegrating Soviet Empire. They examine the consequences and effects of the drama currently in progress within the various regions of the former Soviet Union.

Central issues explored concern identity formation, the nature and implications of internal conflicts and possible paths toward conflict resolution in these societies. The processes of democratisation and the potential generation of new conflicts in these countries are also examined as is the question of resurgent ethnicity in China.