Power-sharing Options in Complex Societies – Possible Lessons from South Tyrol for Young Democracies on Ways to Protect Ethnic Minorities at a Regional Level
Publisher: ECMI Volume: 31 pages, pdf Description: Young democracies with ethnically divided populations often experience the strain of simultaneous centrifugal and centripetal forces tugging at the fabric of society. The centrifugal force demands recognition of diversity, while the centripetal force requires national unity. Governments tend to respond as follows: on the one hand, centripetal policies are pursued, such as nation-building programmes, development of common identity, emphasis on integrative patriotism, and highlighting the importance of national unity; on the other hand, pragmatism often dictates that some policy allowance also be made for centrifugal forces by recognizing regional and local diversity.