The Ties That Divide: Ethnic Politics, Foreign Policy and International Conflict. By Stephen M. Saideman. New York: Columbia University Press, 2001. 348p. $70.00 cloth, $23.00 paper.

The Geography of Ethnic Violence: Identity, Interests, and the Indivisibility of Territory. By Monica Duffy Toft. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2003. 256p. $37.50.

These two useful books represent important contributions to the literature on violent ethnic conflicts. Monica Duffy Toft proposes a useful theory and adduces convincing evidence on some of the key determinants of severe ethnic violence. Stephen Saideman provides an even stronger theory and strongly suggestive evidence for explaining states' decisions to intervene in ethnic conflicts over secession. Both books provide a mix of quantitative analysis and case studies to support their claims more or less convincingly. Both conclusions deserve prominent attention in the literature.