The Moral Economies of Ethnic and Nationalist Claims

This book explores how competing moral economies influence ethnic and nationalist conflicts, highlighting the significance of cultural beliefs and practices in legitimizing claims.

In The Moral Economies of Ethnic and Nationalist Claims, leading scholars delve into the intricate dynamics of moral economies within the context of ethnic and nationalist conflicts. At a time when various entities, including states and armed groups, assert claims based on communal interests and ideologies, understanding the narratives that support these claims becomes crucial. This book posits that competing moral economies—the frameworks that govern the distribution of wealth, power, and status—are pivotal in shaping the nature of these conflicts.

This final volume in the esteemed EDG series unites international experts to explore how moral economies are contested within identity-based communities, often leading to heightened tensions and conflicts. The book features a blend of theoretical insights and case studies spanning regions from Africa and Asia to North America, providing robust evidence for the importance of moral economy analysis in addressing issues related to ethnic and nationalist mobilization.

Scholars contribute their expertise on how cultural beliefs and practices that justify unequal distributions of resources and authority are intertwined with the politics of ethnicity and nationalism. By examining these relationships, The Moral Economies of Ethnic and Nationalist Claims offers a comprehensive understanding of the underlying factors that influence and exacerbate ethnic and nationalist conflicts.