Multiculturalism in Asia

This volume explores the different ways that ethnic and religious diversity is conceptualized and debated in South and East Asia. In the first few decades following decolonization, talk of multiculturalism and pluralism was discouraged, as states attempted to consolidate themselves as unitary and homogenizing nation-states. Today, however, it is widely recognized that states in the region must come to terms with the enduring reality of ethnic and religious cleavages, and find new ways of accommodating and respecting diversity. As a result, many countries are now debating policies to accommodate minorities, including recognition of indigenous rights, minority language rights, consociational power-sharing, regional autonomy, and multination federalism. This is often described as a key ingredient in any process of democratization in the region. One manifestation of this new ethos is the growing rhetoric of 'multiculturalism', often imported from the West. And indeed Western models of minority rights have had an influence in many Asian countries, often promoted by international organizations. However, Asian societies also have their own traditions of peaceful coexistence amongst linguistic and religious groups. All of the major ethical and religious traditions in the region - from Confucian and Buddhist to Islamic and Hindu - have their own conceptions of tolerance, and their own recipes for sustaining unity amidst diversity. These traditions continue to shape people's beliefs and practices in the region. Even the distinctive conception of Marxism developed in the region provides an influential perspective on these issues not found in the West. The rhetoric of 'multiculturalism' may be ubiquitous around the world, but it is being used to express quite different ideas and norms. Using both case studies and thematic essays, this volume examines the pre-colonial traditions, colonial legacies, and post-colonial ideologies that influence contemporary debates on multiculturalism in the region. It explores the areas of convergence and divergence between these different perspectives, and the extent to which they provide viable frameworks for managing ethnic and religious diversity in the region.

Table of Contents:
1. Introduction; 2. Liberal Multiculturalism: Western Models, Global Trends, and Asian Debates; 3. Minority Rights with Chinese Characteristics; 4. A Liberal Model of Minority Rights for an Illiberal Multi-ethnic State? The Case of Laos; 5. The Paradox of Recognition: The Case of 'Hill Tribes' in Thailand; 6. Ethnic Accommodation in Malaysia; 7. Region, Religion, and Ethnicity in Indonesia; 8. The Cost of Membership in Ascribed Community: The Singapore Model; 9. National Citizenship and Migrant Workers in East Asia; 10. At the Margins of a Liberal-Democratic State and Illiberal Society: Ethnic Minorities in Japan; 11. Multination Federalism and Minority Rights in Sri Lanka; 12. Burma/Myanmar: Struggle for Democracy and Ethnic Rights; 13. Indian Exceptionalism or Indian Model: Negotiating Cultural Diversity and Minority Rights in a Democratic Nation-State; Bibliography