Multiethnic Research Articles

Sociocultural Integration of Smaller Tribal Communities in a Multi-Ethnic Society: The Case of Hrangkhawls in Tripura

While the process of integration allows diversity, forced assimilation encourages homogenisation as the inherent distinctiveness gets subsumed under the dominant cultural system. Despite various constitutional policies, provisions, developmental approaches and strategies adopted to protect, preserve and promote the culture and ethnic identity of the tribes in North-East India, there have been instances of forced assimilation. It is the larger group that strongly influences the numerically smaller tribal communities which subsequently leads to the process of ethnocide. Drawing insights from the literature on ethnocide, the article examines the cultural marginalisation, forced assimilation and cultural homogenising process that has taken place among the Hrangkhawls of Tripura. The article argues that the modern development approaches, heterogenous cultural blindness and forced assimilation have compelled the numerically smaller tribal communities like Hrangkhawls towards cultural marginalisation and ethnic identity distortion in the multi-ethnic state of Tripura.

Imperial uses of non‐territorial autonomy: The projects of André Mandelstam and Boris Nolde

AbstractThe article explores imperial uses of non‐territorial autonomy in the works of international lawyers André Mandelstam and Boris Nolde, which they wrote before the collapse of the Russian Empire. Although written in different contexts, their projects for non‐territorial autonomy departed from other similar plans proposed in the Russian Empire. Rather than an attempt to secure the status and the interests of ethno‐national groups within the framework of a multinational state, they pursued the goal of imperial domination and regarded the rights of minorities as a pretext for imposing limitations on other states (or states in the making). The project of André Mandelstam was a part of Russia's Plan of Reforms for the Ottoman Empire produced in 1913/1914, which aimed to protect its Armenian population, yet severely restricted the sovereignty of the Sultan. Written in July 1917, Boris Nolde's project developed the programme of the Constitutional Democratic Party on the national question. He was particularly concerned with the recognition of Ukrainian national‐territorial autonomy by the Provisional Government. For him, non‐territorial autonomy was an instrument of undermining the claims of the Ukrainian national movement and retaining control over Ukraine.

A Comparative Study of Malay/Chinese and Malay/Indian Ethnic Conflicts and Relations in Malaysia's Multi-Ethnic Society

Since Malaysia's independence, the relationship between the Malay and Chinese ethnic groups (Malay/Chinese) and the relationship between the Malay and Indian ethnic groups (Malay/Indian) have been two of the most significant political issues in the country. While both belong to the category of indigenous groups and immigrant relations in Malaysia, there are fundamental differences between these two relationships. This paper argues that the Malay/Chinese relationship is a long-standing ethnic conflict caused by social class disputes, characterized by economic disparities, cultural clashes, and structural factors such as colonial history. In contrast, the Malay/Indian relationship is primarily a short-term regional conflict triggered by unexpected events. The ethnic stratification in the Malay/Chinese relationship, formed on the basis of economic differences, has become a structural condition, and the historical friction since the British and Japanese colonial periods has further exacerbated the situation. For Malaysia to build a truly equal and mutually respectful multicultural society, many areas still require significant efforts.

Legal support for the sustainable development of indigenous minorities of the North, Siberia and the Far East: results and prospects

The article examines the features of the legal regulation of the sustainable development of the indigenous peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East. Special attention is paid to the Concept of Sustainable development of the indigenous peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East in the context of updating this document in the near future. The Russian Federation is a multinational state, for which taking into account the traditions, culture and historically established way of life of each people living on its territory is one of the main directions of state policy. The indigenous peoples of the North are a social group that requires additional state support, not only because of their small number, but also because of the difficult climatic conditions of the places where these peoples live. The article considers the configuration of legal regulation in the field of sustainable development of indigenous peoples both in historical retrospect and at the present stage. Special attention is also paid to promising areas of development of state regulation, as well as measures of state support in this area. It is noted that at present the legal regulation of the sustainable development of the indigenous peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East is at the stage of significant changes. The paper identifies the main differences between the current Concept and the Draft of the future one, concerning the fundamental aspects of policy. In particular, the principle of recognizing the right of the peoples of the North to priority access to fishing grounds and hunting grounds, to biological resources in places of their traditional residence and traditional economic activity, as well as modernization, updating of technical equipment, etc. At the same time, the author draws attention to the need to comply with environmental requirements and respect for nature in the process of implementing new tasks.

RELIGIOUS IDENTITY: THE EXPERIENCE OF INDEPENDENT KAZAKHSTAN

The article focuses on the study of the religious landscape of Kazakhstan as an important factor in shaping national identity and cultural memory. The authors examine the dynamics of the development of religious denominations in the country since independence, emphasizing the relationship between religion, citizens’ self-identification, and nation-building processes. The analysis is based on numerous sociological studies conducted over the years, as well as statistical data from governmental bodies.The novelty of the work lies in its attempt to consider religion as a foundation for studying national identity in Kazakhstan’s multi-ethnic and multi-confessional society. The research shows that since the collapse of the USSR, the number of believers in the country has significantly increased, as evidenced by the growth in the number of religious organizations and places of worship, along with changes in demographic composition. The article highlights the influence of migration processes and the return of ethnic Kazakhs, which contributed to the increase in the proportion of Muslims.The study also addresses issues related to religious extremism, stressing the importance of state policy in ensuring tolerance and neutrality. Despite being a secular state, Kazakhstan has become an example of interreligious dialogue. The authors conclude that religion continues to play a key role in shaping national identity, particularly within the context of Islamic traditions.

National and Ethnic Identity in the Constitutions of the BRICS Countries

The article presents the transformation of the concept of ethnicity, which is evident in many countries across the world in the context of changing world order. The author demonstrates the tendency to accept poly ethnicity and multiple faces in modern states, including the BRICS countries. Also, the author examines various approaches to defining ethnicity that exist both in legal science and in other social sciences. Using the example of the BRICS countries, it is shown that the legal recognition of ethnic identity, language and cultural differences occurs at the level of national constitutions since these categories are essential for recognition and awareness of each citizen and each national society in existing multinational states. The author proves that the formation of constitutional and legal norms taking into account the essence of ethnicity will contribute to the sustainable development of multinational states.

“Seeking a better life”: Identity of Tanzanian urban residents

The paper is based on the results of field research conducted by the author in the United Republic of Tanzania in November 2023, focusing on the issue of nation formation in the multiethnic state. The study was carried out in Dar es Salaam and Bagamoyo cities, resulting in the collection of 33 formal and informal interviews in English and Swahili. The key aim of the research was to find out whether the national component of self-identity has taken precedence for Tanzanian citizens, or if local identities, ethnic or regional, remain more significant. Tanzania is characterized by very high rate of urbanization, and making the issue of changing identity under the new conditions especially relevant for understanding the adaptation mechanisms of migrants in the cities. It is important to note that in Tanzanian cities the majority of residents are at most, second- or third-generation urban residents. Young people usually move to the city alone, without family. Those who were born in the city usually have only parents and siblings living there. Thus, connections to the culture of one’s region of origin are often broken, leading to a search for new affiliations, which frequently involves a shift in self-identity.In the article we will examine issues of the transformation and significance of ethnic identity; the relationship between ethnic, regional, and national levels of self-identity; attitudes towards ethno-racial minorities; and the future of indigenous Tanzanian cultures, languages, and traditions within the multicultural environment of the city.

Opracowanie wstępnego stanu badań na temat stosunku Litwinów do zagrożenia wojennego oraz agresji Niemiec na Polskę w 1939 r. (Stosunek mniejszości litewskiej w II RP do decyzji władz politycznych i działań wojskowych w związku z bezpośrednią genezą i przebiegiem Kampanii polskiej 1939 r.)

The Second Polish Republic had been a multinational and multiethnic state, situation which was a challenge both for the central authorities and the administration at the regional level. This article is a review of the interwar and post-war literature dealing with the issue of Polish–Lithuanian relations in the interwar period. In order to show the attitude of the Lithuanian population in the pre-war Vilnius and Bialystok Voivodeships before the outbreak of World War II and the position of ethnic Lithuanians to emerging war and the Polish population, it was necessary to analyze Polish and Lithuanian source materials.

Racial Segregation in a Multiracial Society: Black Exclusion and Spatial Integration in US Municipalities, 1990–2020

ABSTRACTAmerica's municipalities, as political actors, have become the cultural arena for changes in Black social integration and inclusion. Growing racial diversity presumably offers new opportunities for residential inclusion, resulting in less segregation, in an increasingly pluralistic and multiethnic society. This study examines patterns of Black segregation from Whites and non‐Blacks across America's increasingly multiracial municipalities over the last four decades. Our results reveal high, yet steep decline in Black segregation from Whites since 1990, as measured by the index of dissimilarity (D), decreasing from 77 to 64. However, Black–White segregation remains exceptionally high compared to other racial groups. Black segregation from Hispanics has also declined since 1990, but segregation from Asians has changed very little. In metro municipalities, fringe suburbs pose serious challenges for Black integration, suggesting new bastions of segregation. Nonmetro municipalities, particularly county seats, still show higher levels of segregation, reflecting enduring social structures that impede racial mixing. Fixed‐effects models that control for unobserved municipal‐period effects indicate that observed changes in the predictors cannot fully ‘explain’ the differentials in Black segregation or the large downward trend since 1990. Racial inequalities—in income, housing and labour market opportunities—nevertheless continue to reinforce persistent Black municipal segregation from Whites and other non‐Black populations. It remains to be seen whether Black segregation will continue to decline indefinitely in a multiethnic society or evolve in new and unexpected ways as racial diversity penetrates the American landscape.

Islamic Solidarity and Ta'awun: A Case Study of Community Responses to Rohingya Refugees in Sabang, Aceh

The principle of ta'awun (mutual assistance) is a fundamental Islamic value that promotes solidarity and shared responsibility. Its practical application in contemporary, culturally diverse societies often encounters significant challenges. This study investigates how the residents of Ie Meulee Village, Sukajaya Subdistrict, Sabang City, practiced ta'awun in responding to Rohingya refugees stranded in the area during December 2023. Employing a qualitative methodology, the study collected data through observations, interviews with 14 informants—including village officials, religious leaders, community members, and refugees—and document analysis. The findings reveal varied interpretations and implementations of ta'awun, shaped by factors such as religious education, the social environment, and economic constraints. While residents with strong religious knowledge exhibited proactive assistance, others provided help spontaneously or hesitated due to existing prejudices. This study underscores the importance of inclusive religious education, community-based social programs, and local policies to foster cross-cultural solidarity, ensuring the sustainable application of ta'awun values in multiethnic societies.

Linguistic and Sociolinguistic Profile Characteristics in Religious Discourses

This article presents the results of an interdisciplinary study on respondents' linguistic profiles in relation to their ethnic and religious identities. The research focuses on how ideologemes about religion are perceived in a multilingual and multiethnic society. Since the 1990s, with the onset of sovereign development, societal values related to cultural mapping have shifted. Multilingualism, multiethnicity, and religious diversity contribute to a range of perspectives, leading to both consensus and disagreement. Discussions and communication practices reveal diverse views on key social developments, including the role and influence of religion. The study aimed to identify the linguistic and sociolinguistic profiles of respondents in their perception of religious ideologemes. Conducted at the intersection of sociolinguistics, religious studies, and sociology, the research analyzed sociological survey data and established correlations (using SPSS) between respondents’ connotations of religion and their complex self-identification (ethnic, linguistic, and religious) (N = 1800). Demarcations in understanding religion’s influence and its role were identified in both public and expert consciousness (N = 107). The study employed interdisciplinary sociocultural methods, including discourse analysis, content analysis, correlation analysis, census data analysis, comparative methods, and theoretical reconstruction. This approach allowed the researchers to establish links between the connotations of religion and respondents' multidimensional self-identification, while identifying their linguistic and sociolinguistic typological profiles and value-based distinctions. The findings may be of interest to researchers in contemporary sociolinguistics, the sociology of mass consciousness, and identity studies.

A Comparative Study of Ethnicity Differences Reflected in Films Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan and Old Beast In the Context of Multiculturalism

The transition of Mongolian cinema begins with New Historicist advancements in the post-industrial era. Through comparing Old Beast and Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan, this paper examines the development of both old and new Mongolian ethnic cinema, focusing on the factors that contributed to the emergence of new Mongolian cinema. Under the influence of multiculturalism, Inner Mongolia has experienced significant social transformation, shifting from a single-ethnic to a multi-ethnic society. Its people have moved from a traditional nomadic lifestyle to a more settled way of life. Against this backdrop, Inner Mongolia has achieved decentralization of Mongolian culture, showcasing both ethnic diversity and cultural plurality. As a result, Inner Mongolian ethnic cinema no longer focuses solely on portraying Mongolian ethnic traits but instead presents the local way of life through a New Historicist lens. Building on this, Old Beast takes a step further and breaks through the confines of New Historicism by emphasizing "historicity" and "contextualization," providing insights for the further development of Chinese Cultural Poetics. This paper aims to explore the transformation of post-modern Mongolian society and the emerging development of New Historicism as reflected in Mongolian cinema.

Translation and Interpreting as a Tool for Multiethnic State Development: A Diachronic Case of Russia

The research goal is to consider the phenomenon of translation and interpreting (T&I) as a tool for multilingualism inside a multiethnic state using Russia as an example. The study explores a number of issues, including language repertoire and legislation on languages in Russia, milestones within the historical paradigm of translation and interpreting practice with the use of local languages of peoples in Russia across history, current trends regarding T&I with the use of local languages of peoples within the Russian Federation. The research combines theoretical and applied qualitative analysis and stands on the grounded theory. The findings lead to the conclusion that translation and interpreting can be a tool for sustainable multilingual development inside a multiethnic state under certain conditions, namely the following: 1) T&I use languages of peoples who are citizens of the respective state; 2) T&I operate on grounds of state legislation as part of its policy implementation within the major areas of the multiethnic country activities; 3) local languages are part of T&I Academia and Industry activities in terms of research, training, and institutionalization; 4) the use of languages within multilingual state follows the principles and practices of international, and regional multilingual T&I, thus representing mesolevel (local), along with mega (international) and macro (regional) levels of the contemporary multinational world development. The findings also justify the relevance of a diachronic study of T&I practices for multilingual state development.

Do minority inclusive institutions increase electoral support for radical-right parties?

How do minority inclusive institutions that improve minority groups’ political access influence the electoral success of radical-right, anti-minority parties? I explore this question by analyzing the case of Croatia’s national minority councils, which were introduced to enhance ethnic minorities’ political voices at the local level. Using a difference-in-differences design with panel data, I find that the vote shares of radical-right parties became lower, if anything, in municipalities with a minority council. Further, analyzing georeferenced survey data, I show that the introduction of minority councils did not necessarily worsen the ethnic majority’s attitudes toward minority groups. These findings indicate that contrary to the institutional variant of group threat theory, inclusive institutions do not have to trigger electoral backlash among people in the majority. This point has important implications for institution design in multiethnic societies.

Unity in Diverse Society of Malaysia

Objective: This article aims to use historical institutionalism to examine how the Malay Bumiputera Muslims identity was constructed and analyse people’s responses to related government policies. Theoretical Framework: The role of religion in constructing an identity for Malay Bumiputera (son of the soil) Muslims, who form the majority of the population, is a topic of debate among Malaysians. Since independence in 1957, the supreme law of Malaysia, the Federal Constitution, has pronounced Islam as the official religion but other religious ideologies are allowed to be practiced. Apart from the race riots of 1969, Malaysians have been living in a harmonious and peaceful multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious society; where each ethnicity promotes its own culture, while also respecting other diversities and cherishing differences to promote unity. This study applies the HI framework to examine the identity construction of Malay Bumiputera Muslims and also assess people’s responses to related government policies. Method: For empirical data analysis, the authors employ qualitative method through historical analysis based on authentic sources available in libraries as well as interviews with key informants in order to collect data from their personal opinion and experience. In other words, this comprehensive study has used mixed methods beginning with documentary analysis and using qualitative interviews to support the documentary analysis to achieve our objectives. Results and Discussion: The government has taken many steps to promote stability and racial harmony. Still, there are hurdles such as economic disparities among ethnicities, education based on vernacular languages, and others. On top of that, there are vast differences in community identity construction between the Malay Peninsula and the Borneo states, Sabah and Sarawak. To some extent, however, this historical setting has shaped Malaysian politics to be primarily centred upon the Malay and Bumiputera racial-hegemony context. This political setting cannot be avoided, but other ethnics are also permitted to form parties to represent their communities. Conclusion: To conclude, this identity construction has been a way to provide unity in diversity in the multi-racial society which is politically and socioeconomically constructed.

Intergroup hostility, perceived democratic legitimacy, and satisfaction with democracy in multi-ethnic societies

ABSTRACT Ongoing conflicts in the world serve as a reminder of the tensions between democratic institutions and unresolved ethnic grievances. While much is known about institutional factors tying ethnopolitics with democratic performance, much less attention has been given to the role of interpersonal interaction in determining the strength of democratic legitimacy. This article contributes to the existing literature by establishing the link between intergroup hostility and satisfaction with democracy (SWD). We argue that interethnic hostility aimed at undermining one’s dignity triggers a psychological response that, in the end, erodes support for a democratic regime expected to ensure equal treatment of all groups. We test our theory in the Western Balkans, using data from the Montenegrin National Election Study (2023). Our findings show that (1) there is a significant negative effect of intergroup hostility on SWD; (2) the effect of intergroup hostility is amplified by the frequency of contact between the victim and members of the alleged perpetrator’s ethnic group; (3) intergroup hostility lowers the victim’s level of SWD both directly and indirectly, through diminishing assessment of the system’s input and output legitimacy.

Ethnopolitical Trends of Party Building in Kazakhstan and China

The role of political parties in multi-ethnic states is quite complex, as they should be focused not only on political governance at the level of the state as a whole, but also on promoting national unity in interethnic relations, forming tolerant cooperation and interaction between different ethnic groups. Aim. This article aims to take the operation and development of political parties in multi-ethnic countries such as Kazakhstan and China as examples to study the role of political parties and to study cases from the practice of their activities in maintaining national stability, promoting social harmony, and protecting the interests of small ethnic groups.Tasks. One of the tasks of political parties in multi-ethnic states is to integrate different social interests and ensure that all ethnic groups have a voice and are represented in the decision-making process at the national level.Methods. Comparative analysis is used to compare models of multi-ethnic governance in different countries or regions, and to analyze the role and effectiveness of different political parties in these models. This will help to understand the strengths and weaknesses of different governance models and identify best practices. It also analyzes the reasons for the successes and failures of different countries and political parties by analyzing their historical practices of multi-ethnic governance. This will help to understand how political parties have responded to ethnic conflicts and governance challenges throughout history.Results. The research paper pointed out that the policies developed and implemented by political parties in multicultural countries in support of the cultures of different ethnic groups, the protection and promotion of the languages, religions, traditions and cultural identities of different ethnic groups, comply with the UN standards and principles on these issues. However, as shown by the political and SWOT analysis of the statutory and program documents of the political parties in the countries studied, there are problems.Conclusion. Certainly, political parties are making efforts to ensure equal opportunities and access for all ethnic groups to the economy, education, employment and so on, in order to promote the creation of a fair and inclusive society, while ensuring the civil rights of minority ethnic groups, or as it is called in international legal literature “national minorities”.

I ‘nuovi cittadini tedeschi’ e il dibattito sulla singolarità dell’Olocausto. Su «Adas Raum» di Sharon Dodua Otoo

This paper aims to investigate the relevance of Sharon Dodua Otoo’s debut novel Adas Raum in the ongoing Historikerstreit 2.0. Relevant to this new historical dispute is the possible connection between colonialism and the memory of the Holocaust. As I will show, Adas Raum seems to respond artistically to critical suggestions proposed by Michael Rothberg who interprets the link between memory and identity in a complex way, which results in non-competitive participation in collective memory construction in multi-ethnic societies and redefines the relevance of such categories as victims and perpetrators.

Institutional Discrimination in Health Security Policies against Immigrants in South Korea

Abstract Background South Korea is poised to become Asia’s first mult-iethnic society with over 5% of its population, totaling more than 2.5 million, being immigrants. This demographic shift presents significant public health challenges linked to widespread, and even intensifying, institutional discrimination in healthcare services. Methods This study reviews discriminatory practices across ten essential health security programs, including National Health Insurance (NHI) system, disability assistance, occupational health services, maternal and child care services, national immunization program, health screening program, and assistance for catastrophic medical expenses. Government data and personal narratives were also reviewed to identify the discriminatory elements that can have significant consequences, including increased disease prevalence, higher incidence of occupational injuries, and broader socio-economic instability among migrants. Results Discriminatory elements were found in most programs, with the exception of emergency medical services. These programs commonly provide fewer benefits or impose stricter eligibility criteria for migrants compared to nationals. In particular, the Korean NHI system demands migrants to pay higher premiums and more rigorous maintenance requirements. Conclusions The findings emphasize the need for urgent reforms to equalize health insurance costs, simplify eligibility criteria for migrants, and broaden the scope of benefits to encompass all residency statuses. Implementing these changes will enhance public health infrastructure, improve occupational safety, and foster better integration of the diverse population, ultimately promoting social cohesion and a fairer health system for all. Key messages • A number of discriminatory elements against migrants have been identified in South Korea’s social security policies that can exacerbate health disparities. • Reforms are needed to expand benefits and relax eligibility criteria for migrants in key healthcare policies, including the National Health Insurance system.

Extending the multiculturalism metaphors: state identity in Nasarawa State’s Su-dir dance theatre as fruit salad juice

The robust multiculturalism debate and its attendant metaphors have paid little attention to the peculiar realities of managing the inherent cultural diversity in Africa. This paper opens up the existing debate on multiculturalism, and offers an option of the Fruit Salad Juice as the identity produced through the active cultural interactions within a typical African multi-ethnic state. The Fruit Salad Juice alternative specifically applies to the theatrical performances that emanate from these multicultural collaborations. The paper examines Su-dir dance theatre being one of the products of the Let’s Sheathe Our Swords (LSOS) project launched by the Nasarawa State government of Nigeria to facilitate social therapy and cultural integration after a protracted period of inter-ethnic, religious and political crises in the state. Data for this study was collated through the participant observation and interview methods. At various points, I conducted interviews with the administrators, consultants, and artistes of the Nasarawa State Performing Troupe, as well as some members of the Su-Dir audience. Nasarawa state is conceptualized as a fruit salad bowl, and the LSOS theatrical pieces as juice produced thereof. The idea of Fruit Salad Juice is demonstrated in the evidence of inclusivity and state identity found in the compositional elements of the Su-dir dance theatre and other outcomes of the LSOS project.