“Policies that try to tackle diversity problems make it always salient in people’s minds. And that can backfire, even if well-meant.”
Latest from the Arts
The Latest Interview
On the Record: Past Interviews
Author: Mark Hecht
Interview with Ruud Koopmans: Understanding Muslim Immigration to Europe
“[Historically,] Islamic societies were actually more advanced, more liberal, and more tolerant than Western societies. So, there is nothing intrinsic to Islam that explains these problems.”
Interview with Oliver Strijbis: Swiss Lessons on Identity and National Unity
“Political ideas are too abstract. They are not enough to make people emotional about identity. Swiss identity has a cultural element.”
Why Trust Prevents Nations from Tearing Themselves Apart
“The last time a leading Danish politician was murdered was 1286. It’s not war with your foreign enemies [that matters]; it’s internally, in political stability.”