ABSTRACT
Reflecting the interdisciplinary and international character of minority studies, the Encyclopedia of the World’s Minorities includes the work of over 300 contributors from 40 countries specializing in areas as varied as anthropology, cultural studies, ethnography, history, international relations, linguistics, political science, and religion. These scholars work at universities and colleges as well as research centers and organizations around the globe that seek to further our understanding of minority issues and monitor the situation of minority groups. Within this community, the subject is rigorously and often contentiously argued, but the degree of interest and the intensity of debate ultimately testify to its importance. Because the study of minorities involves the difficult issues of rights, justice, equality, dignity, identity, autonomy, political liberties, and cultural freedoms, the discussions in the encyclopedia apply to many areas of public interest and student inquiry.
