Interethnic integration

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Present-day ethnic relations challenge the notion of progressing assimilation of ethnic minorities, as neither traditional nor new minorities follow this trajectory. Factors such as modern transportation and communication, porous borders, and the global spread of cultural pluralism contribute to this shift. Democratic governance and constitutional human rights empower ethnic minorities to resist assimilation. Current ideas about minority integration or multiculturalism provide limited theoretical and practical guidance in this evolving context. Instead, we observe a movement towards interethnic integration, emphasizing the convergence of values, norms, and behaviors among ethnic groups. This approach promotes policies aimed at ensuring full economic, political, and social citizenship for all ethnic representatives. It advocates for respect for ethnic diversity and symbiosis, alongside efforts to institutionalize the mutual enrichment of cultures. Prof. Dr. sc. Nikolai Genov, a Professor of Sociology at the Free University in Berlin, specializes in social theory, social change, interethnic relations, and international migration. His recent publications include works on sociological knowledge, ethnicity in education and media in South Eastern Europe, and comparative research in the social sciences.