Since the 1993 publication of the third edition of the Dictionary of Race and Ethnic Relations, events have continued to change the way in which race and ethnicity are viewed. The trial of O. J. Simpson; the publication of The Bell Curve; and the continuing attacks on Affirmative Action have all affected the ways in which race and the surrounding issues of racism and identity have been reported in the media and studied in the classroom.

The Dictionary of Race and Ethnic Relations covers a range of national and international topics which have been written by a distinguished group of experts on race and ethnicity. The reader will find new articles covering recent events, historical and theoretical perspectives and important figures. Over half of the book has been revised or rewritten and all of the articles include fully-updated lists of further reading.