On the Viability of Potentially Divided Multi-Ethnic States

Abstract

This paper examines the viability of inter-ethnic cooperation from the perspective afforded by the economic approach to institutional analysis. Four factors are seen to affect viability, namely the relative strength of each ethnic group in the non-cooperative setting, the perceived fairness of die terms of cooperation, die continuing influence of informal rules which may be inimical to cooperation and finally, the judicial enforcement and legislative maintenance of the terms of cooperation. The discussion generates a number of insights into the desirable nature of die institutions of potentially divided multi-ethnic states.