The book explores the complex dynamics of ethnic tensions and the conditions under which they escalate into violence. It introduces a fourfold typology based on ethnic composition and institutional constraints, revealing that states with high constraints and diverse ethnicities intervene primarily for national interests. In contrast, those with ethnic dominance and low constraints are more inclined to intervene. The authors suggest that ethnic affinity and cleavage play a crucial role in catalyzing these interventions, providing insights into the motivations behind state actions.
