On Ethnic Relations in Laos Border Areas

Abstract

The article reviews a number of accessible international studies on ethnic relations in Laos border regions. Based on the presentation of Laos’ ethnic demography and ethnic situation in Laos border areas, the article presents some specific, outstanding, and urgent issues in ethnic relations in those regions according to international scholars’ research. These analyses revolve around five main axes of ethnic relations: relations between ethnic groups and the nation-state, intra-ethnic relations, relations between minority groups, relations between minority groups and the majority group, and cross-border ethnic relations.