Challenges To Multiculturalism: Managing Diversities In Europe And Southeast Asia

This book examines debates in Europe and Southeast Asia on issues pertaining to multiculturalism, migration and citizenship. Based on empirical cases in the two regions, the book explores the practices as well as the myths and misconceptions surrounding multiculturalism. Contributions to the book also highlight examples of policies balancing the interests of different cultures in society.With migration as a key issue confronting both European and Southeast Asian societies, there frequently is a discourse about migrants posing a ‘threat’ to national security, economic welfare, democratic citizenship and identity. Such negative attitudes towards migrants are further fuelled by the hardening of identity politics, political polarisation and populism, as well as the rise of intolerance and racism.Providing insights from qualitative, in-depth research and largely applying a comparative approach, the contributions to this book demonstrate the varied approaches adopted by European and Southeast Asian societies in accommodating and managing diversities and differences.