Facing diversity

Ethnic diversity can fragment political communities, since in every multi-e thnic state conflicts arise that cannot be solved through a majority decisi on-making process. The issue of diversity is not only one of human rights, but in most cases an issue concerning the state and the classic majority pr inciple of modem democracy. It is indispensable for the functioning of the state that it be legitimate for all communities. Diversity can be upheld in fragmented societies only on the basis of a trust among the different comm unities, in state institutions, state leaders, and institutional forms of p ower sharing. Federalism, regionalism, constitutions, governmental and elec toral systems are institutions through which minorities and the majority ar e accepted as equal parts of the state and feel represented and protected, with consensus-driven democracy promoting diversity. Citizens' rights can p romote diversity through affirmative action, through the 'state-action doct rine', and through collective rights when an effective court system exists. The inter national community increasingly claims the right to enforce mino rity rights based on international law. However there is no known case unti l now, where the international community has succeeded in upholding existin g diversity by enforcement.