ABSTRACT
The literature makes clear that abandoning multiculturalism and adopting interculturalism was often seen to be the solution for continuing to promote tolerance and equity in diverse societies. However in Europe, where it is assumed democracy is stronger and more robust, built on a long history and currently with a vocal democratic supporter in the European Union, anti-diversity discourse is loud and menacing. Anti-diversity is about the 'virtuous community' seeking to protect itself both from the elites and anyone else who is not part of the 'ethnos'. Anti-diversity flourishes in these contexts not so much because the nation itself is revered, but because it is time to revere the 'people' and exclude all those who are seen not to belong. In the context of the matter whether governments adopt multiculturalism or interculturalism as a policy to support diverse communities, the issue is how institutions within society support policy directions.
