Ethnic Diversity, Plural Democracy and Human Dignity: Challenges to the European Union and Western Balkans

European countries can adopt and adapt plural democracy to a significant extent, but at what cost and benefit to human dignity? This volume explores this question from multidisciplinary perspectives, drawing on the European experience with special cases from Bosnia and Hercegovina, Croatia, Latvia, Slovenia, Spain, and Canada. Solutions are sought through innovative interpretations of the rule of law, democracy, and human dignity, with a focus on avoiding ethnic conflicts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 273 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Given their ethnic diversity, to what extent, and at what cost and benefit to human dignity, can European countries adopt and adapt plural democracy?

The contributors to this volume offer answers to this question from a variety of multidisciplinary perspectives within the framework of the integral theory of law and the state. Their shared aim is to explain legal phenomena in the context of other relevant issues and to identify, analyze, and critique conceptualizations, problems, and situations. This volume is rooted in the historical and contemporary European experience with special cases from Bosnia and Hercegovina, Croatia, Latvia, Slovenia, Spain, and Canada, which are relevant for understanding the European problem. Solutions to the problem are sought through innovative interpretations of the rule

The rule of law, democracy, and human dignity are the three concepts that are explored in this book in order to find answers to the issue of how to prevent ethnic conflicts in multiethnic states. The book is divided into three thematic sections, with the first section covering topics such as the principle of compulsory adjudication in interstate relations, the principle of democracy, and principles regarding the recognition of individual and collective identities. These European principles are then investigated by drawing on legal and political theories.

The second section presents three ways of conceptualizing ethnical needs in multiethnic states: asymmetric federalism, democratic account, and cooperative federalism. The third and final section elaborates on these conceptualizations and discusses their implications for the implementation of plural democracy in European countries.

The contributors to this volume come from a range of disciplines, including law, political science, sociology, and anthropology. They offer a diverse range of perspectives on the issue of plural democracy and its potential to promote human dignity in Europe. The book is well-written and accessible to a wide audience, including scholars, policymakers, and practitioners.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable contribution to the study of plural democracy and its potential to promote human dignity in Europe. The contributors offer innovative interpretations of the rule of law, democracy, and human dignity and provide a wealth of insights and perspectives on the issue. The book is well-written and accessible to a wide audience, and it will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and practitioners alike.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030979195
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022