Multicultural States

The idea of the nation is globally in crisis, but multiculturalism has often seemed to name a specifically national debate. Multicultural States challenges the national focus of these debates by investigating theories, policies and practices of cultural pluralism across eight countries with historical links in Britain, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa, Ireland and Britain. This important book combines discussions of the principles of multiculturalism with studies of specific local histories and political conflicts. The contributors include discussions on communalism and colonialism in India, Irish sectarianism and postmodern identity politics, ethnic nationalism in post-apartheid South Africa, British multiculturalism as part of the heritage industry, feminism and Australian republicanism.