Abstract
Ellis’s (2012) book explores the “the relationship between democracy and communication and how this relationship translates into possibilities for conflict resolution” (p. 2). With this focus in view, the author sets the stage at the very beginning by creating the argument for why ethnopolitically divided group conflict differs from other conflicts. Gurr (1994) defines ethnopolitical conflict as “[conflicts] in which groups that define themselves using ethnic criteria make claims on behalf of their collective interests against the state, or against other political actors” (p. 348). Gurr further contends that “ethnopolitical conflicts are fought not just about resources or power, but about protecting group status, culture, and identity. Identity and belief are non-negotiable” (p. 365). Although many scholars have studied the causes and effects of such conflict, very few have proposed ways to resolve these disputes. Ellis’s book, Deliberative Communication and Ethnopolitical Conflict, advances this literature by providing theoretical grounds and unique perspectives for ways to solve ethnopolitical conflict. Ellis argues from the premise that ethnic conflicts can be mitigated through deliberative communication for two reasons: “first, solutions to problems ultimately reside in the work of those involved in the problems . . . A second reason is the interdependence that is required for problem solving” (p. 25).
Although there are only nine chapters in this text, the level of detail that the author offers and the construction of each section is very well done. The first chapter provides the argument for the construction of the book, the differences between other conflicts and ethnopolitical conflict, and why deliberative communication processes can prove vital to the process of resolution and management. The author offers several justifications for the choice to focus on deliberative communication processes. He maintains that “deliberation is fundamentally about justice and moral means and ends . . . is responsible for an openness to change . . . makes people communicatively engaged . . . is not too idealistic . . . confers legitimacy . . . [and] the democratic imagination must be informed” (pp. 22-23). Ellis cites a number of authors and models in building his argument for his standpoint and provides a nice synopsis and outline for the subsequent chapters.
Chapter 2 centers on identity-based ethnopolitical conflict. Several theories of ethnic conflict are offered from biological explanations to the manipulation of groups by ethnic elites. Ellis further articulates how the identities are socially and communicatively constructed. Jeong (2008) agrees with this premise when he states, in many divided societies, highly subjective political evaluations often merge into objective categories that are employed to bestow or withhold a privileged status or wealth. (p. 57)
By acknowledging the root causes of ethnopolitical conflict, Ellis builds a strong paradigm for the need to address this category of conflict in a different manner.
Chapters 3 to 7 focus on the relationships between deliberation and ethnopolitical conflict, communication, media, group decision making, and argument. By addressing each of these connections, the author sets the stage for future discussions about the various forms of change designed for intractable conflicts (Chapters 8 and 9). Ellis acknowledges that the idea of deliberative communication being the key to solving ethnopolitical conflict may seem idealistic but according to literature from a number of scholars, it is an effective strategy.
The entire book reads like a well-written debate case as the author does a great job of providing substantive evidence to support every claim that is offered. From the theories of the roots of ethnic conflict to the social and communicative construction of ethnic identities and their impacts on intractable conflicts, every step of the author’s reasoning is well defined and supported. In the final chapter, the author lists some of the best practices related to the relationship between intractable conflict and democratic values and processes and provides some final thoughts on why cultural frameworks are important when dealing with groups involved in ethnopolitical conflict.
Overall, Deliberative Communication and Ethnopolitical Conflict offers a unique perspective to the resolution of ethnopolitical conflicts. By calling attention to ethnopolitical conflict itself and the media and communication issues within these tensions, Ellis does a masterful job of articulating the processes involved with the resolution and management of seemingly intractable situations. This text is a must read for any interested in conflict resolution and management processes.