Date of this Version Rather than having the exclusive
U.S.-tribal relationship respected, Indian nations are wrongly
forced to deal with state governments that are often hostile to
Indian interests. This is the provocative thesis of Forced
Federalism. For the last 20 years, from 1988 to the present,
tribes have been increasingly seen as emerging contenders vying
for resources and playing an expanding role in state economies
and politics. The gaming success of some tribes has also
subjected Indians to what the authors call “rich Indian racism”
that relies upon stereotyping and the categorization of tribes
as interest groups rather than independent nations. Though
acknowledging that tribes have had some success in their
engagement with states and the non- Indian political process,
the authors make a convincing case that jurisdiction and
community-based improvements should not be conceded lightly in
the name of short-term economic gain.