Identity politics

Pakistan is a fragmented nation with a shaky political system, and the focus on Sunni Islam did not forge the desired unity.

Nigeria’s ethnic diversity has often been a bane rather than an opportunity to promote plural strength and development for the country. This was never more evident than during the devastating Biafra war.

Radical groups are instrumentalising the Gaza war for their own purposes and recruiting young people via social media.

Government attempts to quantify the diversity of United States residents have always fallen short. Outdated understandings of race are part of the problem.

In Uganda, as in many other parts of the world, a person’s identity and social relationships are influenced by ethnicity, faith and language. These factors can also have a significant impact on career prospects.

Identity politics can promote justice, but also further divide our world. It is important to take an inclusive approach that recognises the complexity of identities and involves everyone in creating sustainable change.

Thirteen years after gaining independence, South Sudan is still struggling with the inclusion of its various ethnic communities. Tribalism remains a challenge that undermines a functioning nation state.

Rafael Correa and Evo Morales adopted new constitutions in Ecuador and Bolivia in 2008 and 2009. Both presidents’ identity politics placed a strong focus on indigenous culture and led to change.

In the current election campaign India’s prime minister is emphasising identity politics that so far have not resonated much in regions with Dravidian languages.