DIFFERENT PEOPLES, ONE WORLD Policies Promoting Multiculturalism at the National and Local Levels HARI SRINIVAS ROOM: I-312 / Studies in Multicultural Societies

OCTOBER 17 - Homogeneity and Diversity: The Case of China OCTOBER 24 - Diversity and National Identity: The Case of India OCTOBER 31 - Politics of Multicultural Societies: The Case of EU NOVEMBER 7 - ASEAN and Multiculturalism NOVEMBER 14 - Multicultural Societies in Island States NOVEMBER 21 - Japan as a Multicultural Society? NOVEMBER 28 - Promoting Multiculturalism in the United Nations What we have seen so far …

Multiculturalism: CHINA There are four main reasons China’s culture changed and become more multicultural over the years: 1. changes in the socio-political environment 2. contact with other cultures 3. technological and other inventions 4. further development of the culture itself.

Multiculturalism: CHINA Integrated more broadly into the local culture, but maintained their identity Created pockets of unique cultures different from the local culture Destroyed and replaced local cultures Historic trends in multiculturalism Migration-based multiculturalism

Multiculturalism: CHINA So what did we learn about multiculturalism from China? Multiculturalism is based on historical trends in the past, and expanding economic power in the present. Policies promoting multiculturalism at the national level essentially aim to provide a prominent position for China in the global economy. Policies promoting multiculturalism at the local level essentially aim to promote domestic tourism

Multiculturalism: INDIA There were three key invasions of India over its history that shaped its cultures: 1. The Aryan Invasion of 1500 BC – this gace raise to the Hindu religion, the Sanskrit language and a number of ancient texts called vedas 2. The Muslim Invasions of centuries, which brought Islam and Islamic cultures to north India 3. The Euopean Invasions of 17 century, that brought the colonial poweres of Dutch, Protugese, Spanish and finally the British empires

Multiculturalism: INDIA India is the birthplace of four of the world's major religious traditions; namely Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. Throughout its history, religion has been an important part of the country's culture. Religious diversity and religious tolerance are both established in the country by law and custom. A vast majority of Indians associate themselves with a religion.

Multiculturalism: INDIA So what did we learn about multiculturalism from India? The defining characteristics of multiculturalism in India lies in its vast history as well as its diversity Policies promoting multiculturalism at the national level essentially aim to promote a national identity based on its diversity and secularity Policies promoting multiculturalism at the local level essentially aim at cultural and historical preservation

Multiculturalism: EUROPE

Multiculturalism: EUROPE EU Enlargement has: Inspired reforms and consolidated common principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, while enabling market-oriented economic reforms. Enhanced the EU’s weight in the world and made it a stronger and more attractive international partner. “Enlargement has been a success story for the European Union and Europe as a whole. It has helped to overcome the division of Europe and contributed to peace and stability throughout the continent.” European Council Declaration Dec. 15, Member States627 Population174 million500 million Languages423

Multiculturalism: EUROPE So what did we learn about multiculturalism from the European Union? Much of Europe’s multiculturalism is political in nature, focusing on its member-states Policies promoting multiculturalism at the EU level level essentially aim to create a single free market – free movement of people, goods and services Policies promoting multiculturalism at the local level essentially aim at increasing the member states competitive and innovative edge

Multiculturalism: ASEAN Goals of ASEAN: To accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through joint endeavors; and To promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law.

POLITICAL – SECURITY Blueprint Rules based, shared norms and values Cohesive, peaceful, stable, resilient with shared responsibility Dynamic and Outward looking ECONOMIC Blueprint Single Market and production base Competitive economic region Equitable Economic development Integration into global economy SOCIO- CULTURAL Blueprint Human Development Social Welfare and Protection Social justice and rights Environmental Sustainability ASEAN Identity ASEAN Charter - One Vision, One Identity, One Caring and Sharing Community ASEAN Community

Multiculturalism: ASEAN 14 Globalization Localization Regionalization  ICT has allowed wide information access.  Goods and services can move cheaper thanks to cheap transportation and ICT.  The world is more borderless.  In a flat world, competition searches for lowest cost.  National borders still have economic meaning.  National markets exist and are defined by psychology and politics.  National economic and political setbacks can threaten globalization.  Convenience of flows of information, goods, services, and people within the region  Relatively similar psychology and national interest within region

Multiculturalism: ASEAN So what did we learn about multiculturalism from the ASEAN? Importance of regionalism in creating multicultural societies, and overcoming national shortcomings Policies promoting multiculturalism at the ASEAN level essentially aim to balance political, economic and social issues Policies promoting multiculturalism at the local level essentially aim at creating a single market for increased jobs, incomes and business opportunities

Multiculturalism: Island States Lack of natural resources and skilled endogenous human resources. Remoteness Smallness Geographical dispersion Fragility of ecosystems Heavy dependence on imports The Special Case of Small Islands

Multiculturalism: Island States The usual image of a small island: Remote, isolated, insular, paradise In fact, islands are places where different cultures have encountered each other and lived closely Islands are better understood as dynamic centres of cultural interaction Islands are in fact sometimes called as the as ‘crossroads of cultures’.

Multiculturalism: Island States So what did we learn about multiculturalism from island states? Environmental uniqueness leading to economic opportunities, that in combination lead to socio-cultural uniqueness Policies promoting multiculturalism at the national level essentially aim to protect its ecological and social uniqueness Policies promoting multiculturalism at the local level essentially aim at cultural preservation and tourism promotion

Multiculturalism: JAPAN Two types of multiculturalism in Japan Unique Variations Political Ideology

Multiculturalism: JAPAN Accelerating Multiculturalism in Japan  Policies to promote Uniqueness  Immigration Policies  A Global Economy, member of OECD  International Image of Japan

Multiculturalism: JAPAN Globalized Economy Demographic changes Food Security Environmental Problems Japan HAS to become multicultural !!

Multiculturalism: UNITED NATIONS 1. Demographic 2. Programmatic 3. Ideological The UN looks at multiculturalism from three perspectives – as a feature of the demographics of its members, as a part of its programmes and projects, and as an ‘ideology’

Multiculturalism: UNITED NATIONS Multiculturalism Racism and discrimination Migration and human rights Heritage preservation

Multiculturalism: UNITED NATIONS The greatest strength of any organization is the quality of its staff members. This requires the creation of an organizational culture and environment that enables the staff to contribute to the best of their abilities. When working at the United Nations, you need to have three “core values” 1. Integrity 2. Professionalism 3. Respect for Diversity

Multiculturalism: UNITED NATIONS So what did we learn about multiculturalism from the United Nations? The United Nations, by its very nature as an organization, is fundamentally multicultural. Policies promoting multiculturalism at the UN are a critical part of the programmes and projects of its various agencies Policies promoting multiculturalism look at it as a core value and skill that every staff member should have in order to be able to work in a global environment.

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