International Dimensions of Ethnic Conflict: A Case Study of Kashmir and Northern Ireland

Ethnic conflicts have increased in number and intensity and have transcendented the realm of domestic and international politics. Till recently, these were not seen as international issues on account of traditional international legal norm of treating them as purely internal concern. But during the last two decades, ethnic conflicts have revealed a variety of cross-boundary international ramifications with crucial influence on foreign policy formulations. The book conceptualises the problematique of ethnic conflicts and critical significance of international dimensions. Two case studies—of Kashmir and Northern Ireland—illustrate the international aspect of protracted ethnic conflicts. Ethnic conflicts attract international support and intervention due to affective ties, geopolitics, protection of minority rights, human rights, self determination, etc. The problems of Kashmir and Northern Ireland have been analysed with special reference to geographical cultural backdrop, historical antecedents and international relations.