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Is multiculturalism compatible with nationalism?

Date
May 26, 2022
Time
9:30 AM EDT - 3:30 PM EDT
Location
In person and online via Zoom
Multiculturalism

This workshop was co-hosted by Anna Triandafyllidou (Toronto Metropolitan University) and Tariq Modood (University of Bristol) who explore the potential for new forms of nationalism.

We are witnessing today the emergence and growth of different forms of nationalism, conceptually and politically. While some espouse a closed society and nativism, others seek to embrace diversity. This workshop built on the relevant literature by political theorists, political scientists and sociologists to discuss whether multiculturalism is compatible with nationalism and whether there are feasible forms of ‘progressive patriotism’ today, which would redefine liberal nationalism in more inclusive ways.

In our workshop, we asked what normative shape an inclusive perspective can take, whether it can be a political force, and if so, how? This means addressing the place of ethnic and religious minorities as well as majorities so that both can identify with the national. Is that a realistic political ideal and how does it relate to theories of ethnicity, race, citizenship and nationalism? The workshop engaged with insights from Europe, North America and other world regions.

Participants:

  • Yasmeen Abu-Laban, University of Alberta
  • Keith Banting, Queen’s University
  • Alain Gagnon, Université du Québec à Montréal
  • Allison Harell, Université du Québec à Montréal
  • Will Kymlicka, Queen’s University
  • Gurpreet Mahajan, Jawaharlal Nehru University

NOTE: This workshop took place in a hybrid format with in-person and online presentations. 

This workshop launched the CERC Migration Scholars of Excellence spring 2022 program. CERC Migration welcomed Tariq Modood to Toronto Metropolitan University, from May to June, to engage with our community of scholars. 

Workshop overview
9:30-10 AM EDT Welcome Reception
10 AM EDT Welcome: Anna Triandafyllidou and Tariq Modood
10:15 AM-12:30 PM EDT

Session 1: Are minority claims and majority privilege compatible? Theoretical perspectives

Chair: Anna Triandafyllidou

Co-chair: Ashika Niraula, Research Fellow, CERC Migration

  • Is Multicultural Nationalism Possible? If it is, what benefits follow?  |  Tariq Modood  (PDF file) Abstract
  • Multicultrual Nationalism as Ethics of Membership  |  Will Kymlicka  (PDF file) Abstract
  • Standing Up for a Multicultural Nationalism  |   Gurpreet Mahajan  (PDF file) Abstract
  • The advent of a federal citizenship to give meaning to the cohabitation of minority nations, cultural communities, and majority nation in the context of a multinational state  |  Alain Gagnon  (PDF file) Abstract
12:30-1:30 PM EDT Lunch break
1:30-3:15 PM EDT

Session 2: Views from multiculturalism(s) and nationalism(s) on the ground

Chair: Tariq Modood

Co-chair: John Carlaw, Research Fellow, CERC Migration

  • Rethinking the Boundaries of the Nation: Lessons from the Pandemic Emergency  |  Anna Triandafyllidou  (PDF file) Abstract
  • Critical Reflections on Nationalism and Multiculturalism   |  Yasmeen Abu Laban  (PDF file) Abstract
  • Nationalism, Membership and the Politics of Minority Claims-Making  |  Allison Harell and Keith Banting  (PDF file) Abstract
3:15-3:30 PM EDT Reflections and concluding remarks

Produced in collaboration with:

Logo for Ethnicity and Citizenship, University of Bristol

Please check back for event recording.