Roundtable Discussion: Book Launch of Jan Rovny - Ethnic Minorities, Political Competition, and Democracy: A Study of Circumstantial Liberals
In a thought-provoking discussion at Sciences Po, scholars delved into the application of Jan Rovny's book, "Ethnic Minorities, Political Competition, and Democracy: Circumstantial Liberals," to the context of France.
Rovny's core argument, presented in the book, posits that the political preferences and behaviors of ethnic minorities are shaped by specific institutional and social contexts that produce distinct patterns of political competition and democratic engagement. He emphasizes how ethnic minorities often adopt a pragmatic approach to politics, termed "circumstantial liberalism," which is grounded in circumstances rather than ideology[2].
Nonna Mayer, affiliated with Sciences Po, CNRS, and CEE, joined the discussion, focusing on how the French state's approach to citizenship, integration, and recognition of ethnic diversity influences ethnic minorities' political behavior. France's republican model of universal citizenship, which downplays ethnic distinctions, creates particular challenges for ethnic minorities seeking political representation and rights[2].
Jan Rovny, the author himself, presented the core argument of the book and new work studying democratic support of ethnic minorities across Europe. He highlighted how ethnic minorities in France may engage politically in ways that reflect both their pragmatic adaptation to systemic exclusion and limited cultural recognition, as well as resistance to perceiving themselves merely as individual citizens detached from ethnic group concerns[2].
Mirna Safi, affiliated with Sciences Po and CRIS, also participated in the discussion, although her specific role was not explicitly stated. The discussion touched upon the idea that the presence of ethnic minorities can be a force for liberal democracy, leading to the formation of liberal and illiberal political poles[1].
The book further suggests that permanent minorities advocate for rights and liberties to protect themselves from the tyranny of the majority. The dynamic created by ethnic minorities is system-forming, shaping political cleavages, party systems, and influencing the absorption of new political issues[1].
Vincent Tiberj, affiliated with Sciences Po Bordeaux, was also mentioned but not directly involved in the initial discussion. The discussion, centred around a recent book discussing the political preferences and behavior of ethnic minorities, underscored the complex navigation between republican universalism, ethnic identity politics, and democratic participation within a context that often marginalizes ethnic particularities[2][1].
The discussion, with its focus on France, underscores the relevance of Rovny's work in understanding the political behavior of ethnic minorities in specific contexts and the impact they have on political systems. The debate is particularly timely, given the ongoing discussions about local and national welfare chauvinism and exclusionary politics in France, where issues of immigration, integration, and minority rights are politically salient and contested.
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