Ethnopluralism

Ethnopluralism or ethno-pluralism, also known as ethno-differentialism,^[1][2] is a political model which attempts to preserve separate and bordered ethno-cultural regions.^[3][4] According to its promoters, significant foreign cultural elements in a given region ought to be culturally assimilated to seek cultural homogenization in this territory, in order to let different cultures thrive in their respective geographical areas.^[5][6][7] Advocates also emphasize a "right to difference" (French: droit à la difference) and claim support for cultural diversity at a worldwide rather than at a national level.

Proponents describe ethnopluralism as an alternative to multiculturalism and globalization. They claim that it strives to keep the world's different cultures alive by embracing their uniqueness and avoiding a one-world doctrine in which different regions can be increasingly seen as culturally similar or identical.^[6] Critics have called the project a form of "global apartheid" and "separate but equal" doctrine,^[6][7] and many specialists have described the idea as a strategic attempt to legitimise racial supremacist views in public opinion by imitating egalitarian, anti-totalitarian, antiracist, or environmental discourses of the progressive movement.^[8][9][7] Scholars have also highlighted close ideological similarities with ideas promoted by French neo-fascist activists in the 1950–1960s.^[10][11][7]

The concept, formulated in its modern form by French political theorist and Nouvelle Droite founding member Alain de Benoist,^[7] is closely associated with the European New Right and the Identitarian movement.^[3][12]