We were here first: ethnic minorities in Central and Eastern Europe

Things are in turmoil in Central and Eastern Europe. In 1989, the Iron Curtain was torn down, today new walls are being built here and there. Croats, gypsies, Russians in the Baltic, minorities in Slovakia... are fighting for emancipation. At the same time, work is in full swing on alternatives to the disaster scenarios of former Yugoslavia or Chechnya. Seven specialists ask whether peaceful coexistence is possible. Goedele de Keersmaeker, Axel Buyse, Katlijn Malfliet, Severinas Vaitiekus, Robert Aspeslagh, Bart Kerremans and Mon Detrez sound out the chances for democracy and tolerance. What is the historical background of the nationality issue? How is the situation evolving in, for example, former Yugoslavia, Russia, Lithuania or Hungary? What attitude should the international community adopt towards the minority problem? Can the enormous cultural wealth of Central and Eastern Europe become an asset, not just a source of concern? We were here first says f