Introduction
This introduction argues that ethno-nationalist groups’ ethnic identity, desire for self-determination and territorial concerns are related to a specific context, which reveals a dilemma related to the choice of whether a state pursues armed struggle or a non-military solution. It explains the data collection methods of the book which relies on a broad range of sources including interviews, archival materials, official documents and reports. It then evaluates the nature of ethno-nationalist groups and describes the rationale behind the selection of the ethno-nationalist conflicts in Northern Ireland and Turkey, and how non-violent, political resolution efforts played a role in ending violence in these two comprehensive and long-standing conflicts. It reviews the evolution of ‘conflict resolution’ theory and how this book intends to modify the existing theory. The chapter ends with an explanation of the structure of the book and the specific topics and case studies examined in each chapter of the book.