Participation, Representation and Identity. The right of persons belonging to minorities to effective participation in public affairs: Content, justification and limits

Abstract

As the world struggles with accommodation of diversity in a wide variety of situations, including armed struggles with sometimes transnational security dimensions, it is clear that ethnic, religious and linguistic identity constitutes a reality, which needs to be taken into account. This book offers a theory about the nature and essence of minority participation and representation, while describing possible problematic aspects, which need to be taken into account when devising various institutions and mechanisms.

Moving from political theory and philosophy through positive international (human rights) law and practice to implementation and other manifestations in particular domestic situations, this volume constitutes a reliable source on the subject matter, bridging theory and practice.

This book is of use to a wide audience of academics, practitioners, policy makers, NGOs, and to all those interested in diversity management and institutional design in societies that are to a greater or lesser extent divided along ethnic, linguistic or religious lines.

The doctoral thesis, on which this book is based, was awarded, in 2008, the annual Mauro Cappelletti Prize for the best comparative law thesis defended at the European University Institute, Florence.