"This excellent book discusses minority issues by taking up four case studies: Catalonia (Spain), Corsica (France), central Tibet (China), and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (China). The juxtaposition of these four, with their democratic and authoritarian political backgrounds, allows the development of theory on ethnic minorities and the raising of some really important issues. Examples include: how much does a democratic polity contribute to the resolution of ethnic tensions; and what affects the degree of autonomy that states allow ethnic minorities? The four cases chosen are all controversial but, coming from such different cultures as China and Western Europe, they are very enlightening and in a way that can only lead on to more comparative research. As one familiar with the issues in China, I was struck by how balanced, fair, and perceptive the treatments are. The book is also well written and holds the reader s interest. The book adds beautifully to the literature on ethnicity not only on the theoretical plain, but also through beautifully crafted and illuminating case studies." - Colin Mackerras, Emeritus Professor, Griffith Business School, and author of Ethnicities in Asia or China s Ethnic Minorities and Globalization
