When the East/West conflict ended ten years ago, many hoped that the democratic changes in Eastern Europe would inspire peaceful resolution between the claims of human rights and those of state sovereignty throughout the world. Instead, ethnic conflicts have multiplied, shaking many East European and Asian countries. Minority and ethnic rights, it appears, are only demanded at the barrel of a gun, as in Chechnya and East Timor.
When the East/West conflict ended ten years ago, many hoped that the democratic changes in Eastern Europe would inspire peaceful resolution between the claims of human rights and those of state sovereignty throughout the world. Instead, ethnic conflicts have multiplied, shaking many East European and Asian countries. Minority and ethnic rights, it appears, are only demanded at the barrel of a gun, as in Chechnya and East Timor.