New Book Review:Challenging Multiculturalism: European Models of Diversity by Raymond Taras

                                                                              

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Edinburgh University Press; 1st edition (December 17, 2012)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 360 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0748664572
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0748664573

In recent years, European political leaders from Angela Merkel to David Cameron have discarded the term multiculturalism and now express scepticism, critique and even hostility towards multicultural ways of organising their societies. Yet they are unprepared to reverse the diversity existing in their states. These contradictory choices have different political consequences in the 11 European countries examined in this book: Belgium, Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Sweden and Turkey. The future of European liberalism is being played out as multicultural notions of belonging, inclusion, tolerance and the national home are brought into question.

'Challenging Multiculturalism is a highly original and timely study of multiculturalism and its opponents in contemporary Europe. Going beyond cliché and common wisdom, by providing empirically solid answers to theoretically informed questions, it provides essential lessons for policy makers, scholars, and students alike.' Cas Mudde, University of Georgia, author of Populist Radical Right Parties in Europe. How are European societies overhauling - even dismantling - the multicultural model without destroying diversity? In recent years European political leaders from Angela Merkel to David Cameron have discarded the term 'multiculturalism' and now express scepticism, criticism and even hostility towards multicultural ways of organising their societies. Yet they are unprepared to reverse the diversity existing in their states. These contradictory choices have different political consequences in the countries examined in this book. Case studies of 11 European countries throw light on the challenges posed by multiculturalism and the extent to which anti-immigration parties appeal to moderate voters by embracing anti-multiculturalism policies. And they show how the future of European liberalism is being played out as multicultural notions of belonging, inclusion, tolerance and the national home are brought into question. Key Features -Examines how European liberalism is being challenged by opposition to multiculturalism -Presents a cross-national study of European societies' efforts to implement multiculturalism, how they have stumbled, and what is proposed to replace multiculturalism -Explores the ways in which opposition to multiculturalism has helped galvanise radical right, nationalist and gradually mainstream anti-multiculturalist movements -Includes chapters on Belgium, Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Sweden and Turkey Raymond Taras has been Willy Brandt Professor in Migration Studies at Malmö University and Professor in Political Science at Tulane University.