Ethnic diversity and public policy: An overview

The author argues that cultural pluralism is an enduring attribute of contemporary societies ethnicity will not disappear with modernization, as it was once believed. In addition, ethnic identification should be considered a normal and healthy response to the pressures of the globalizing marketplace. Ethnicity acts as a trigger for violent conflict only when it is mobilized and manipulated to create a sense that one's interests are threatened because of one's ethnicity, or because of the activities of other ethnic groups. The most important policy question for accommodation in ethnically diverse societies, therefore, becomes how to promote an inclusive sense of ethnicity and a loyalty to the larger society as well as to one's own ethnic group. When such a civic identity is successfully established, it makes hate-based mobilization of ethnic groups very difficult. The paper reviews constitutional formulas that have been used in ethnically diverse societies, and examines in particular the strengths and weaknesses of federalism and consociationalism. Different types of electoral systems are also discussed. It is argued that there is a wide range of such systems, and that innovative variations of the one-person-one-vote system have proven successful in a number of settings. The impacts of cultural policies and economic policies on ethnic accommodation are also explored. It is important to foster a sense of national identity through the formal educational system to the extent possible; support for multilingualism can be important in this regard. For national minorities and indigenous peoples, guarantees of cultural autonomy and security, regional self-rule, adequate representation in the central institutions and assurance of language preservation are important for ethnic accommodation. Although, in general, policies that contribute to economic growth help ethnic accommodation because intergroup conflicts over resources become less salient, policies that help the national economy at the expense of one ethnic group have had disastrous consequences. In some situations, policies of ethnic preference have proven successful in alleviating tensions, although such policies have a mixed record. They tend to be more successful where the target groups are clearly defined and do not comprise the majority of the population. The paper concludes with the argument that experience has shown that attempts at "nation building" through ethnic homogenization cannot succeed. Nor can domination on the part of one ethnic group provide long-term stability in a society. The most durable way to accommodate diversity is to create a sense of the nation being a civic community, rooted in values that can be shared by all ethnic components of the national society. Such a sense of community is best achieved when the concept of "nation" is shorn of any connotations of ethnic exclusivity

Ethnicity and politics in Africa

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General practitioners' and nurses' experiences of using computerised decision support in screening for diabetic foot disease:implementing Scottish Clinical Information - Diabetes Care in routine clinical practice

<strong>Objective</strong> The Scottish Care Information - Diabetes Collaboration (SCI-DC) developed a computer- based information system to create a shared electronic record for use by all involved in the care of patients with diabetes mellitus. The objectives of this study were to understand primary care practitioners' views towards screening for diabetic foot disease and their experience of the SCI-DC system. <strong>Method</strong> We conducted an exploratory study using qualitativemethods. Semi-structured interviews were audiotape-recorded, transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis. Seven practice nurses and six general practitioners (GPs) with special responsibility for diabetes care inNHS Lothian participated. <strong>Results</strong> Primary care clinicians reported good systems in place to screen for diabetes-related complications and to refer their patients to specialist care. Foot ulceration was rarely observed; other diabetesrelated conditions were seen as a higher priority. Most had heard of the SCI-DC foot assessment tool, but its failure to integrate with other primary care information technology (IT) systems meant it was not used in these general practices. <strong>Conclusions</strong> Adoption of the SCI-DC foot assessment tool in primary care is not perceived as clinically necessary. Although information recorded by specialist services on SCI-DC is helpful, important structural barriers to its implementation mean the potential benefits associated with its use are unlikely to be realised; greater engagement with primary care priorities for diabetes management is needed to assist its successful implementation and adoption

The Credit Crunch: The Roller Coaster Ride Continues

Borrowers face tight credit markets after years of easy credit.&nbsp; This study examines the events that led to the credit crunch and its impact on global economies

Hands Across The Atlantic?

The war in Iraq created a division between the United States and some members of the European Union.  The war also split the EU, with France and Germany leading the anti-war camp and Britain, Italy, Portugal, and Spain supporting Washington.  With organized warfare over, the United States has shifted its attention from the military campaign to the installation of a legitimate and stable government in Iraq.  However, the administration of post-war Iraq has caused the division between the US and Europe to widen. The multilateralists, France and Germany, are demanding a central role for the UN in rebuilding Iraq.  France, in particular, believes that the task should be left to the UN alone.  They suggest this would help legitimize what they consider to be an illegal war.  On the other hand, the US, which accepted a great burden with the pre-emptive attack on Iraq, wants the UN to have a “vital” but limited role in post-war Iraq.  The US believes that the UN needs serious repair before any responsibilities can be handed to it.This study examines the economic, political, and security implications of the division between these old allies.  The relationship between the US and EU is based on years of cooperation.  Both sides know that they must mend fences sooner rather than later.  We contend that pragmatism will triumph over geo-politics

At A Crossroad: The U.S. Economy

The U.S. economy stands at a crossroad.  Which path will it take – the one that leads to sustainable growth, recession or inflation?  This paper will examine market imbalances which may indicate the future economic direction

Sub-Prime Mortgages And The Big Bang

Delinquencies and failures of sub-prime mortgages provide evidence that the housing bubble has burst.&nbsp; This study traces the creation of the housing bubble and examines the impact of the sub-prime debacle on world financial markets

he Global Impact Of Chinas Currency Policy: U.S. And Beyond

Since the yuan is pegged to the dollar, the U.S. and Chinese economies have become inter-connected in a myriad of ways. This study examines the global implications of this relationship