This book is the first study to an offer insight into non-armed, non-insurgent members of ethnic groups that are associated with well-known armed organizations. It analyzes the nature of the relationships between the "quiet" minorities and their "rebel" counterparts and assesses how these intra-ethnic differences and divisions affect the armed resistance movement, negotiation with state authorities, conflict resolution, and political reform. This field-based study of the Karen in Burma also provides theoretical and policy implications for other ethnically polarized countries.

Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Growing up in Burma-a personal account
The international Phenomenon of the "Silent Majority"
Theme, Approach, and Method of the Book
Chapter 1: Who are the "Other" or "Quiet" Minorities?
Who are the "other" or "quiet" Minorities?
The Political Significance of the "Other" Minorities
Chapter 2: The Emergence of the Karen Ethno-National Movement
The Construction of Karen ethno-nationalist identities
Saw Ba U Gyi and the Insein Ceasefire talks
KNU in the 21st Century
Conclusion
Chapter 3: Kawthoolei Karen: A Fragmented Constituency
Government-Controlled zones
Rebel-controlled and Contested Zones
The "Refugees"
The Diaspora
Conclusion
Chapter 4: The "Rebel" and the "Accomomodator"
The Early Stages of the Armed Resistance Movement
The Later Stages of the Armed Rebellion
Conclusion
Chapter 5: The "Other" Ethnonationalities in Myanmar/Burma
A changing Political Landscape in SPDC and Post-SPDC Periods
The 'other' Nationalities in Burma/Myanmar
Three Patterns of civilian Politics among Ethnic minoirites
Conclusion
Chapter 6: The "other" Ethnonationalities in Comparative perspective
Competing Identities
Divide and Rule Strategies
The Role of the "other" Minorities in Ethnic Politics
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
About the Author