Politicians need to be careful in managing pluralism and identity, for peaceful coexistence despite the pressures of immigration.
Pluralism is the term used in this book to refer to the features of a society that arise from the presence of multiple ethnic groups, where the term ‘ethnic’ encompasses racial, tribal, national, cultural and religious categorisations. Most countries have housed people of more than one ethnic origin for a long time.
Immigration could be reduced by paying attention to the causes.
Recently, immigration is causing anxiety in several wealthy countries as people try to move to them for work or safety (3.4.3). It is a contentious topic and the subject comes up repeatedly in blog posts on this website. It is better for everybody if most people can stay in their homes rather than needing to migrate for a better life, but some immigration is unavoidable and some is desirable.
· Some parts of the world need help in adapting to climate change (3.5.7). The political issues in managing environmental challenges are examined below (6.7.5)
· It is economically beneficial to help all developing parts of the world (3.5.8). It is politically challenging to find the best way to help poorer countries though, as described later (6.7.6).
It is too easy to stir up hostility against immigrants. As described earlier, it is possible for many ethnic groups to live together harmoniously (4.4.1) but there is always an underlying potential for ethnic conflict (4.4.5). ‘Alt-right’ nationalist politicians such as Nigel Farage, Boris Johnson and Donald Trump can intentionally stir up trouble in order to attract support (6.2.4.6). Ethnicity then becomes a high-profile issue that can dominate the political agenda.
Even without the interference of trouble-making politicians, ethnicity is a sensitive issue – as outlined in the following sub-sections:
· Immigration is a politically sensitive topic, requiring careful management (6.7.4.1). Necessary measures include public service provision and residence permits, largely under local political control.
· As noted above, politicians can seek support from people based on their identity – leading to ‘identity politics’ (6.7.4.2). The entire political system then becomes a mechanism for expressing conflict.
· Immigrants can be pressurised to assimilate into the culture of the host country (6.7.4.3), but they may resent this and defiantly assert their separate identity – creating conflict.
· They can be allowed to maintain their previous culture and live parallel lives: ‘multiculturalism’ (6.7.4.4). It is impossible in this situation to avoid some people feeling discriminated against, which leads to tensions.
· Perhaps the best way of managing pluralism and identity is for immigrants to negotiate with the host country, to reach a mutually-acceptable compromise: ‘inclusivity’ (6.7.4.5). The immigrants must try to integrate, but the majority should accept some adjustments.
· It is possible for ethnic groups to be politically represented without making ethnicity a central feature of the political system (6.7.4.6). Formal consultation with recognised religious leaders can be helpful.
· A sense of belonging to a political identity is desirable (6.7.4.7). If this consists of a sense of shared history and shared values, it can unify people – avoiding a divisive emphasis on race or religion.
· Ethnic groups should be treated as politically equal (6.7.4.8). Governments should be explicitly tolerant of all cultures, rather than trying to privilege a single group.
· Education is crucially important in fostering inclusiveness (6.7.4.9). Every school should be required to teach an understanding of all the religious faiths.
(This is an archive of a page intended to form part of Edition 4 of the Patterns of Power series of books. The latest versions are at book contents).