ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the recent attempt to overcome the past legacy of cultural homogenization in Europe, contrasting it with India's historical pluralist heritage. Two forms of democracy are particularly adverse and inimical to cultural diversity: majoritarian democracy, as derived from the erstwhile European nation-state models, and neoliberal democracy, as derived from US-led globalization. Whereas the modern nation-state provided the matrix for extreme policies of diversity destruction legitimated by majority rule, neoliberal democracy seems unable to defend citizens from being turned into rightless consumers. For some authors, a democracy firmly entrenched in liberal principles, constitutes the ideal framework in which to carry out multicultural practices. The chapter examines whether majoritarian democracy can be identified as the overarching condition in the recurrence of mass crimes against humanity and diversity. Multiculturalism is the political and social practice based on the recognition, respect and promotion of cultural difference.
