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In many Western countries, multicultural coexistence and conflict are a fact of life, regardless whether they have multiculturalism policies´ (MCPs) in place or not. The existence, implementation, and success of such policies are contingent on several factors, including historical, demographic, and social ones, as well as political and economic strategies. Important is a tradition of systematic recognition (or non-recognition) of diverse character of a country´s population and its vision of emancipation and integration of ethnic minority groups. The goal of integration of diverse minorities into the society is apparently contradictory and, to a large degree, a practice of multiculturalism goes against genuine inter-cultural integration. This leads to interrelated questions: How much of cultural diversity in a democratic country can be optimally managed, if at all? Which MCPs have a potential to contribute to peaceful and harmonious society and, if societies accept and promote cultural diversity, who and under which conditions will benefit from it? This study explores the many-faceted multiculturalism theme, looking at the cases of Canada and Western Europe.

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Jiri S. Melich has a Ph.D. in Political Science from Carleton University (2000) and in Philosophy and Education from Charles University (1979). He taught and researched at Carleton University (Ottawa) and at many higher institutions in North America and Europe. He published in academic journals, newspapers and magazines.

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