The Companion offers an informed and comprehensive overview of contemporary debates and issues, at once surveying the status of race and ethnic studies and pointing out new directions. Showcasing essays written by both established and emergent scholars whose work has helped to shape the content and direction of race and ethnic studies in recent times, the Companion explores six interlinked themes: history, theory, political economy, space, culture, and between borders. These sections situate both the historical background and contemporary forms of racial and ethnic configuration in contemporary societies. A critical introduction highlights the key themes and questions and points to new areas of controversy and debate.