Communalism and the Pursuit of Democracy

A Reflection on the Eradication of Racialism and Promoting Social Harmony

Chee-Beng TAN author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Springer International Publishing AG

Published:27th Jul '23

£34.99

Available to order, but very limited on stock - if we have issues obtaining a copy, we will let you know.

Communalism and the Pursuit of Democracy cover

This Palgrave Pivot examines why racialism is so persistent and the challenges it poses to the functioning of democracy and the attainment of national integration. It introduces an evolutionary psychology framework, which explains human innate potential to identify with and defend one’s group, but argues that racial dislike and conflicts are provoked by racial ideologies and the politics of ethnicity. By comparing the politics of race in a number of countries, including Malaysia and the United States, this book argues that attachment to one’s ethnic and religious identities does not hinder ethnic harmony. It is necessary to manage the issues of race and religion as well as promoting conviviality and cosmopolitanism for pursuing the ideal of common humanity and for maintaining a stable and meaningful democracy. This book concludes that democracy, as practiced, has some major weaknesses; as an ideal, it is still the best form of government to pursue. 

ISBN: 9783031362385

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

87 pages

1st ed. 2023