On the fault line: managing tensions and divisions within societies

Societies in all countries are split by major divisions—or "fault lines"—caused by differences in race, religion, ethnicity, wealth, class, or power. Some are plainly evident, whereas others are more concealed and can erupt with little warning.

In a world facing acute environmental, migration, and resource challenges that can only exacerbate differences, this is an essential guide to understanding a phenomenon that all countries must grapple with in the twenty-first century.

Jeffrey Herbstis the president of Colgate University, New York.

Terence McNamee's books includeCenturyandDecade(Phaidon Press).

Greg Mills' most recent book isWhy Africa is Poor(Penguin Books).