Abstract

Many western governments adopted immigration policies that allow large numbers of immigrants to settle in the countries of Europe, North America, and Australia. Most immigrants to the west come from various parts of Africa and Asia, bringing with them cultural traditions that are fundamentally different than those of the destination societies. The political and moral principle of multiculturalism accepts and encourages cultural diversity or the coexistence of groups from diverse cultural backgrounds. This essay argues that this might be a mistake as there is solid empirical evidence that multiethnic societies tend to be politically unstable, often to the point of open violence. Ethnic conflict is attributed to two main reasons by this essay. First, ethnic tensions arise almost inevitably due to unequal distribution of power and economic resources among ethnic groups. Second, the idea that the state should stay neutral in cultural issues deprives the dominant ethnic community of an effective and perhaps necessary means to preserve its distinctive culture. As a solution to these problems, this essay suggests that the nation-state should be accepted as a basic political unit. The nation-state may restrict immigration, or require assimilation of immigrants, which is consistent with its general goal to symbolize and protect the unique cultural character of society. As a result, nation-states are expected to be stable internally. To prevent war among nation-states, this essay recommends an effective system of international law