A General Evaluation on Migration and Multiculturalism

A GENERAL EVALUATION ON MIGRATION AND MULTICULTURALISM History witnesses a constant spatial mobility of human beings for political, economic and ecological reasons. This mobility has occurred individually or collectively in various dimensions, in the historical process. Human mobility, which started in the 4th century AD and continued uninterrupted, with the Migration of Tribes, known as the first great mass migration, has affected almost the entire globe. Especially the nationalist movements that left their mark on the 19th century and the wars and emerging new developments further accelerated this process. In the postmodern era, voluntary migrations have been added to this circle of human mobility or migration, which previously had a largely obligatory nature. Regardless of its historical background, form and scope, migrations have a range of demographic, economic, political, social and cultural consequences both in terms of subject (immigrants) as well as the country of emigration and society. In this study, multiculturalism, which emerges at the point of sustainable management of ethnic, religious and cultural diversity, which is common in contemporary societies as a result of human mobility, will be examined.

There are many opinions about the scope of culture, which is one of the main study subjects of sociology, and therefore its definition. Erol Gungor, an intellectual and sociologist, defines culture as the lifestyle, beliefs, feelings and emotions of a society with its “material and spiritual elements”. As can be seen from this definition, culture refers to an “identity” as the set of things that constitute the basic characteristic of a group, society or a nation and distinguish it from others. Identity, which is the production of social processes, indicates a sense of belonging and therefore difference from the other (or others). Identity, which is basically examined in two categories as sub-identity and supra-identity, has various sub-categorical dimensions as individual, cultural, social, national, political and constitutional. In the postmodern era, unlike the modern era dominated by national identities, belonging has begun to be discussed mostly over identities and subcultures. The extent to which globalization has reached in our time and the developments in communication make societies similar to each other, but at the same time reveal cultural differences. According to the 2020 Migration Report of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the number of people who migrated to another country other than their country of birth in 2019 is around 272 million. This rate, which corresponds to approximately 3.5% of the world population, has been on a more or less similar level in recent years. This human mobility, which was formed in the historical process and added to the previous cultural diversity, makes the social structure of countries even more heterogeneous. Research shows that this process will continue throughout the world. According to the results of the research conducted by the Pew Research Center in 27 countries on different continents in 2018, 69% of the respondents stated that the country they live in has become more ethnically, religiously and culturally diverse in the past 20 years; similarly, a significant majority of the participants shared their predictions that the social diversity would continue to increase in the next 20 years. The approaches of the participants to the increase in social diversity as a result of migration differ. If we show the difference through the examples of Greece and Indonesia: 62% of the respondents from Greece stated that they were against the increase in social diversity, while 17% stated that they were in favor of the increase in cultural diversity. While only 5% of the respondents from Indonesia said that they were against the increase in social diversity, the majority of them, such as 76%, were in favor of the increase in social diversity. Apart from a few countries such as Greece and India, most of the countries surveyed, especially Canada, the USA, the United Kingdom, South Korea, and Australia, have an attitude in favor of social diversity.

Despite this, when the reports of international organizations and NGOs operating in the field of human rights and freedoms are taken into account, it is seen that the general picture on a global scale is not so pleasing. The number of hate crime cases recorded in 42 countries in 2020 only by the OSCE and related institutions and organizations is 7.203. More than half of these crimes are racist and xenophobic, as well as crimes against certain beliefs or followers of these beliefs. Apart from these, it is not difficult to guess that there are many cases committed against individual and cultural identities in different parts of the world, but not recorded. This includes Europe and the USA, which at times attract the attention of the international community with xenophobia and Islamophobia. Due to violations that took place much earlier, especially after the 1690s, states started to revise their identity politics based on multiculturalism and make some changes. It is known that the term “multiculturalism” was used for the first time in the literature in 1941 to describe a cosmopolitan society based on differences in the conditions of the erosion of national identities in the modern sense. However, the term began to be used as a policy instrument only in the early 1970s in Australia and Canada, which are known for their multicultural structures. Multiculturalism, which has been widely used in order to meet the needs of different cultures in the USA, Europe and other countries, in the most general sense, is “the management of differences with state policies”. Multiculturalism, beyond being a political instrument, is a social attitude based on mutual respect and acceptance. However, it should be noted that multiculturalism, both in terms of policies and social inclusiveness, follows a very different path, except for two symbolic examples – Canada and Australia. Undoubtedly, there are historical, political, eco-nomic and sociological reasons for this. In addition to these, especially in recent years, security has become an important element in shaping multicultural policies. Therefore, it does not seem realistic to compare the multicultural policies shaped by the specific conditions of Australia and Canada with the policies in the Middle East, Africa or Asia. Because, this authenticity differs both legally and practically even in the USA and Canadian experiences. For instance, while there is no special provision regarding multiculturalism in the USA constitution, constitutional guarantee was provided to multiculturalism in Canada with the Basic Law of Rights and Freedoms (1982). Similarly, while cultural identities are somehow condemned to melt into the pot of “Americanism'', which is a supra-identity, in the USA, significant support is provided for the preservation and development of languages and cultures in Canada. In EU countries, on the other hand, although a fluctuating course is followed due to domestic political reasons and periodic developments, the differences in a wide spectrum extending to sub-identities in the EU constitution are “pluralist, indiscriminate, tolerant, fair and solidary...” appears to be secured with an approach. However, as mentioned above, there are differences in immigration policies and multiculturalism within EU countries. As a matter of fact, hate crimes have increased in the governments of far-right parties, as in the examples of Germany, France and the Netherlands. On the other hand, the multicultural policies in the former Soviet Union and Yugoslavia countries developed on a very different plane from the examples above. Briefly, the historically inherited ethnic, religious and cultural diversity of these countries has led to the formation of heterogeneous and highly fragile social structures. This phenomenon has forced the states of the regions to adopt security-oriented policies rather than the protection of individual identities, in terms of preserving national unity.

As a result, the events of the early 20th century make the world more cosmopolitan every day. In our age, when globalization and localization accelerate as much as possible, states are trying to manage cultural differences in the balance of universal rights and freedoms and security. However, ultra-nationalist movements, racism and xenophobia and Islamophobia, which have been on the rise in Europe in recent years, show that multicultural policies are still undergoing important political and social tests. In particular, the negative attitude of the West towards the migration wave after the civil war in Syria still preserves its freshness in the memory of the international community. The adoption of multiculturalism, which is a long-term sociological process, is closely related to economic and democratic conditions as well as security policies.

Written by Suat Beylur, Eurasian Research Institute, Kazakhstan Politics, Foreign Affairs, and Security       President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev gave an interview to the Qazaqstan TV channel. The Head of State focused on the January events, which he described as a coup attempt. President Tokayev stressed that the peaceful protests were hijacked by terrorists and quickly spread to many regions of Kazakhstan.

The President explained that large-scale investigations are being conducted. He added that crisis situations offer opportunities and he is going to unveil new political reforms in his state-of-the-nation address in mid-March (Kazinform, 17.02.2022).

The President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov announced that it was necessary to open the way to the government for young leaders. He decided to use his life and political experience as chairman of the People’s Council. As a result, the Presidential election campaign of Turkmenistan started on March 14, 2022. Within its framework, the nomination of candidates, their registration, meetings with voters and other events will take place.

Presidential elections in Turkmenistan are scheduled for March 12, 2022 (Orient, 14.02.2022).

The President of Russia Vladimir Putin called to expel migrants from Russia for extremism and violations of law and order. As a result, the First Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Gorovoy held a meeting of the Council of Heads of Migration Authorities of the CIS Member States and called on colleagues to improve the level of training of labor migrants and prevent their involvement in destructive processes on the territory of the host states (Kun.uz, 19.02.2022).

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia David Zalkaliani met with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba at the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. David Zalkaliani expressed his solidarity and support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. The sides agreed to stay in close coordination both in bilateral and international formats and highlighted the importance of consolidation of the international community in order to "de-escalate the situation and avoid intervention (Agenda.ge, 20.02.2022).

During the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Defence Ministers’ session with Georgia and Ukraine, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that NATO needed to be prepared for the security challenges in the Euro-Atlantic area posed by Russia's actions. He also stated that NATO would continue to provide strong political and practical support to Ukraine and Georgia. NATO condemned Russia’s disregard for the principles underpinning European security and its ability and willingness to threaten the use of force in pursuit of its objectives (Ukrinform.net, 17.02.2022). The Head of the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov had a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. During the conversation, the ministers discussed key issues of Turkmen-Russian cooperation, and also touched upon preparations for the Sixth Caspian Summit. The Foreign Ministers of Turkmenistan and Russia plan to discuss key topics of Russian-Turkmen cooperation, topical issues on the regional and international agenda, as well as interaction in bilateral formats (The Guardian, 20.02.2022).

Economy, Finance, and Energy       Authorities of Kazakhstan plan to increase state support to the tourism sector to stimulate domestic citizens to travel in the country. The government will support those involved in the construction of tourist facilities and launched the Kids Go Free program, a free flight for children across the country when buying a tour package. In total, the state will allocate up to $35 million to support the sector. Despite adopting promising measures, not all businessmen use them due to complete unawareness (Qazaq TV, 18.02.2022). In 2022, six thermal and one solar power plants will be put into operation in Uzbekistan with a total capacity of 1.474 MW. As a result, the total capacity of the energy system of the country will increase by almost 10% and exceed 16.000 MW. Regarding the planned projects, two have already been implemented and built by the Turkish Aksa Enerji company. In March, Aksa Enerji and another Turkish company Cengiz Enerji will launch two more thermal power plants (Kun.uz, 16.02.2022). In 2021, Turkmenistan’s exports of oil products to Georgia experienced significant growth. According to the National Statistical Office of Georgia, the indicator amounted to $191.8 million, which was 186.2% more than in 2020. Supplies of oil and petroleum products from Turkmenistan to Georgia also increased in quantitative terms by 103.1% - from 149.7 to 304.2 thousand tons. Turkmenistan became the main exporter, while Russia supplied oil products worth $134.6 million and ranked second (Turkmenportal, 14.02.2022).

In 2021, Tajikistan’s export of electricity surged. In particular, the country supplied more than 2.4 billion kWh of electricity, which was 911.6 million kWh more than in 2020. Afghanistan remains a key market for Tajikistan’s electricity. In 2021 its imports amounted to 1 billion 275.2 million kWh, while Uzbekistan purchased 1 billion 146.8 million kWh. Revenues from electricity exports in 2021 reached 404.6 million somoni (35.6 million dollars), which were 232.6 million somoni (20.5 million dollars) less than in 2020 due to the political situation in Afghanistan (Khovar, 15.02.2022).

Kyrgyzstan plans to construct small hydropower plants with the help of the Russian oil company. Recently, the Minister of Investment of Kyrgyzstan, Nuradil Bayasov had a meeting with representatives of Tatneft, one of the largest oil companies of Russia, to discuss the implementation of investment projects in the energy sector in Kyrgyzstan. The representatives of the Tatneft also met with the domestic company Kyrgyz Unaa Kurulush, which is engaged in the production of hydraulic turbines, and inspected its production facilities to strengthen cooperation (Kabar, 15.02.2022).

According to the Ambassador of India to Azerbaijan Bavitlung Vanlalvawna, India plans to expand the range of its products on the Azerbaijani market. This was stated at a business meeting organized within the framework of Azerbaijani-Indian cooperation. In particular, India can offer information technologies, electronics and tea to the Azerbaijani market. Trade turnover between India and Azerbaijan in 2021 increased by 27% compared to 2020 and amounted to $739.1 million, of which $594.4 million and $144.6 million were exports and imports, respectively (AzerNews, 18.02.2022).

Prepared by Zhengizkhan Zhanaltay and Kanat Makhanov Society and Culture       The opening of the sixth bust of the famous Kazakh poet and philosopher Abai in Turkey took place at Karadeniz Technical University in Trabzon, Turkey. The ceremony was held within the framework of the commemorative year dedicated to the 175th anniversary of the birthday of the prominent poet and was attended by diplomats of Kazakhstan and members of the local administration. The inaugural ceremony also featured a colorful performance of typical dances of Trabzon by the Folk Dance Ensemble of the Municipality of Akcabat (Turksoy.org, 17.02.2022).

The Secretary-General of Organization of Turkic States Baghdad Amreyev held an online meeting with Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov. The sides discussed the ongoing undertakings within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). Parties stressed the need for more active participation of Turkmenistan in the activities of the OTS and its affiliated bodies, which would greatly benefit all members of the organization (Turkkon.org, 17.02.2022).

On February 17, 2022, the Government of Japan and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) signed a grant agreement worth $4.1 million for the implementation of the Cross-Border Cooperation Initiative in Central Asia. The project aims to strengthen the capacities of international border crossing points in Central Asia, in particular of those stationed along the border with Afghanistan. The project is expected to strengthen the drug-interdiction capacities of the border law enforcement agencies of Central Asian countries (ASIA-Plus, 18.02.2022).

The founder of contemporary Kazak linguistics and intellectual of the Turkic World, Akhmet Baytursynuly, was commemorated at an international conference dedicated to the 150th anniversary of his birthday in Istanbul. The event was organized in cooperation with the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) and the Consulate General of Kazakhstan in Istanbul. The conference ended with a performance by the Kazak soloist Asem Erejekyzy playing the dombra which is the national instrument of the Kazak people (Turksoy.org, 17.02.2022). The Ministry of Economic Development and Poverty Reduction of Uzbekistan, the World Bank, and the Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia (CAREC) held the concluding meeting on Green Growth and Climate Change. The event focused on the development of a strategic framework to accelerate Uzbekistan on a path to green transition. The sides developed a road map and institutional conditions enabling the next steps on a path to a green economy and climate change mitigation and adaptation (Carecec, 17.02.2022).

Topical issues to counter illegal migration were discussed during the 24th online meeting of the joint commission of the CIS states. The parties exchanged information on the migration situation in the CIS space, as well as measures taken to prevent and combat illegal migration. At the same time, practical experience and actions were presented, including legal regulation aimed at the implementation of legal labor activities of stateless persons and foreign citizens (Centralasia.news, 19.01.2022).