Problems; Minorities

In a world of approximately 200 states (depending on definition) and 6000 nations (a group belonging together on the basis of ethnicity, history, language and so on; e.g. the Kurds) one cannot avoid the existence of (many) minorities on an ethnic basis in any given country. Minorities may also be based on another denominator, such as religion, increasing the number of minorities in a given state.

The key question is how people in a given society live together (in a democracy the majority cares for the minority). If every group lives in its own corner (see ‘relativism’ in the concept of Van Asperen), we may wonder whether we can still speak of a society with a shared vision of reality, common objectives, involving all and everybody. The term multicultural society may then look like an optimistic misnomer. However, please do not forget that not all differences are cultural differences.

The question is to what degree a minority (ethnic or otherwise) is willing to adapt to the (national) society as a whole. Integration may result in assimilation (just being like anybody else in society) in three to four generations. The identity of a minority may be of such importance that any integration is rejected, whatever the costs. Famous examples range from the Amish to the Kurds. The former established their own territory and the latter are trying to establish their own state; just one of the many differences between them but showing how hard common measures may be considered for dealing with minorities.

Some of history's most victimised peoples are obliterated; others eventually achieve statehood. Why? … Critical mass; plausible borders; sympathy abroad; a story; a diaspora; fragile overlords: where might these conditions next be met?

The Economist June 20th 2015

At the level of large groups