In this foundational text, Thomas Hylland Eriksen offers a clear and comprehensive introduction to the anthropological study of ethnicity and nationalism. The book explores the historical development of these concepts, analyzes various theoretical approaches, and examines how ethnic identities are constructed, maintained, and mobilized in different social contexts. Eriksen uses diverse case studies from around the world to illustrate the complexities of ethnic relations and their connection to modern nation-states, making it an essential resource for students and scholars in the social sciences.