The Difficult Flowering of Surinam

Ethnicity and Politics in a Plural Society

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology
Cover of the book The Difficult Flowering of Surinam by Edward Dew, Springer Netherlands
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Edward Dew ISBN: 9789401732789
Publisher: Springer Netherlands Publication: March 9, 2013
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: Edward Dew
ISBN: 9789401732789
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Publication: March 9, 2013
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

In the months immediately preceding Surinam's independence, November 25, 1975, warning signals went up on both sides of the Atlantic. This small, ethnically plural society was torn by severe political conflict. Elections in November 1973 had brought an end to political collaboration between Creoles and Hindustanis, the country's two largest ethnic groups; and the Creoles, now in control of the government, were resolutely pushing (over Hindustani opposition) to sever their colonial ties with the Netherlands. But defections from the Creole benches during the summer of 1975 had produced a virtual stalemate in the legislature, heightening fears that the government would act unilaterally. The failure of Creole and Hindustani leaders to resolve their differences led many observers in both the Netherlands and Surinam to predict a collapse of democracy and/or violent conflict once independence was proclaimed. Ironically, the dramatic, last-minute resolution of the struggle precipitated not only general jubilation and relief, but also self-congratulation, as the leaders of Surinam's multiethnic society, long priding themselves on achieve­ ments in harmonious understanding, pulled out all stops in their indepen­ dence day oratory. No-one could forget the nightmare of the preceding few years. But neither could anyone familiar with Surinam's historical develop­ ment flatly reject the rhetoric as being without some foundation. In fact, Surinam, while severely tested by the most complex multi-ethnic population in the Caribbean, does have a record of which she can be proud and which deserves to be more widely known.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In the months immediately preceding Surinam's independence, November 25, 1975, warning signals went up on both sides of the Atlantic. This small, ethnically plural society was torn by severe political conflict. Elections in November 1973 had brought an end to political collaboration between Creoles and Hindustanis, the country's two largest ethnic groups; and the Creoles, now in control of the government, were resolutely pushing (over Hindustani opposition) to sever their colonial ties with the Netherlands. But defections from the Creole benches during the summer of 1975 had produced a virtual stalemate in the legislature, heightening fears that the government would act unilaterally. The failure of Creole and Hindustani leaders to resolve their differences led many observers in both the Netherlands and Surinam to predict a collapse of democracy and/or violent conflict once independence was proclaimed. Ironically, the dramatic, last-minute resolution of the struggle precipitated not only general jubilation and relief, but also self-congratulation, as the leaders of Surinam's multiethnic society, long priding themselves on achieve­ ments in harmonious understanding, pulled out all stops in their indepen­ dence day oratory. No-one could forget the nightmare of the preceding few years. But neither could anyone familiar with Surinam's historical develop­ ment flatly reject the rhetoric as being without some foundation. In fact, Surinam, while severely tested by the most complex multi-ethnic population in the Caribbean, does have a record of which she can be proud and which deserves to be more widely known.

More books from Springer Netherlands

Cover of the book Metternich’s Projects for Reform in Austria by Edward Dew
Cover of the book Activation, Metabolism and Perfusion of the Heart by Edward Dew
Cover of the book The Web of Violence by Edward Dew
Cover of the book Light Pollution as a New Risk Factor for Human Breast and Prostate Cancers by Edward Dew
Cover of the book Mechanically Gated Channels and their Regulation by Edward Dew
Cover of the book The Legal Status of Aircraft by Edward Dew
Cover of the book Vascular Tumors and Malformations of the Ocular Fundus by Edward Dew
Cover of the book Reasons for Action and the Law by Edward Dew
Cover of the book Coastal Zone Management Imperative for Maritime Developing Nations by Edward Dew
Cover of the book Issues in Contemporary Philosophy of Religion by Edward Dew
Cover of the book Biomateriomics by Edward Dew
Cover of the book Looking at it from Asia: the Processes that Shaped the Sources of History of Science by Edward Dew
Cover of the book Toxic Pollutants in China by Edward Dew
Cover of the book Philosophy of Development by Edward Dew
Cover of the book What? Where? When? Why? by Edward Dew
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy