Territorial Pluralism

Territorial pluralism is a form of political autonomy designed to accommodate national, ethnic, or linguistic differences within a state. It has the potential to provide for the peaceful, democratic, and just management of difference. But given traditional concerns about state sovereignty, nation-building, and unity, how realistic is it to expect that a state's authorities will agree to recognize and empower distinct substate communities? Territorial Pluralism answers this question by examining a wide variety of cases, including developing and industrialized states and democratic and authoritarian regimes. Drawing on examples of both success and failure, it analyzes specific cases to understand the kinds of institutions that emerge in response to demands for territorial pluralism, as well as their political effects. The contributors to this volume find that no single institutional model suits every context or produces the same results. Nor is territorial pluralism – as a tool for managing difference – without its ethical and practical limitations. Nevertheless, with identity conflicts continuing to have a major impact on politics around the globe, they find that territorial pluralism remains a legitimate and effective means for the peaceful management of difference in multinational states.