Multiculturalism and Public Governance in Asia: Managing Diversity

This book explores how Asian states and societies face growing divisions and fragilities, with increasing ethnic and religious schisms that threaten human well-being and social security. It shows their respective difficulties in maintaining inter-racial and inter-religious harmony due to changing demographics, identity politics, religious hostilities, extremism and violence, tribalism and ethno-nationalistic sentiments. Drawing from a multi-disciplinary perspective and a comparative cross-cultural approach, the book examines existing fault lines and emerging challenges faced by states and societies in dealing with ethnic and religious diversities, considering the historical origins, environmental contexts, institutional conditions and the evolution and trajectories of the hostilities and conflicts. The book provides a new, unique Asian perspective, through conceptual and empirical contributions, to the understanding of multiculturalism. It also proposes policies, programs or models that can enhance social and religious harmony in an increasingly polarized world. It is relevant to scholars in the humanities and social sciences, researching multiculturalism, religiosity, ethnicity, and diversity in society, with a focus on Asia.