Ethnic Diversity and Federalism: Constitution Making in South Africa and Ethiopia [Hardcover]

How federalism can be used to provide recognition and accommodate ethnic groups is an important topic, not only in Africa, but in multi-ethnic communities around the world. Examining how institutions of multi-ethnic states have been designed to accommodate ethnic diversity while at the same time maintaining national unity, this book locates institutional responses to the challenges of ethnic diversity within the context of a federal arrangement. It examines how a federal arrangement has been used to reconcile the conflicting pressures of the demand for the recognition of distinctive identities, on the one hand, and the promotion of political and territorial integrity, on the other. Comparative case studies of South Africa and Ethiopia as the two federal systems provide a contrasting approach to issues of ethnic diversity. Suggesting new ways in which federalism might work, the author identifies key institutions lessons which will help to build an all-inclusive society.The book examines how institutions of multi-ethnic states have been designed to accommodate ethnic diversity and maintain national unity. It locates institutional responses to the challenges of ethnic diversity within the context of a federal arrangement, examining how this has been used to reconcile the conflicting pressures of the demand for the recognition of distinctive identities, and the promotion of political and territorial integrity.Dr. Fessha is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Law, University of the Western Cape, South Africa. He has published widely on matters pertaining to but not limited to federalism, autonomy, politicised ethnicity, local government, constitutional interpretation and judicial review.'This is an invaluable contribution to federalism literature for scholars and practitioners in existing and emerging federal states. It provides concrete lessons and approaches for multi-ethnic states to balance diversity and national unity. These lessons will have impact beyond the case lC$