Professor Jacques Bertrand recently published two books

November 21, 2013

Professor Jacques Bertrand has been very busy over the past year.

Currently he teaches both:

POL 215Y – Politics and Transformation of Asia-Pacific

and

POL 2429H1F – Democracy and Ethnic Conflict.

In addition to his teaching, Professor Bertrand is also the TA supervisor for the department of political science. Yet he still managed to find the time to release two books this year.

Jacques Bertrand’s research interests include nationalism and ethnic politics in Southeast Asia, minority rights, and democratization. He is currently working on a large comparative project on democratization and ethnic minorities in Southeast Asia, and both of these books relate to his research interests.

DEMOCRATIZATION AND ETHNIC Minorities

Edited by Jacques Bertrand, Oded Haklai

Routledge Press

Many new democracies are characterized by majority dominance and ethnocentrism. Varying paths or transitions toward democracy create very different outcomes for how ethnic identities, communities and politics are recognized. This book illustrates the varied consequences of democratization, from ethnic violence, new forms of accommodation to improve minorities’ status, or sometimes only minor improvements to life for ethnic minorities.

This book provides new insights and makes at important contribution to existing debates. Democratization and Ethnic Minorities will be essential reading for students and scholars of democratization, nationalism, ethnic conflict and ethnic politics, political science, history, and sociology.

POLITICAL CHANGE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

By Jacques Bertrand

Cambridge University Press

Southeast Asia is a vast and complex region, comprising countries with remarkably diverse histories and cultures. Jacques Bertrand provides a fresh and highly original survey of politics and political change in this area of the world. Against the backdrop of rapid economic development and social transformation in several countries, he explores why some countries have adopted democratic institutions, while others have maintained stable authoritarian systems or accepted communist regimes. Bertrand presents a historically grounded account of capitalist countries and state-socialist countries, delving into the historical experience of individual countries, whilst simultaneously providing a comparative framework with which to draw parallels and foster a better understanding of the political and economic dynamics both within and between the countries. With powerful yet accessible analysis and detailed coverage, this book offers students and scholars a thorough and thought-provoking introduction to the political landscape of Southeast Asia.