The book’s central idea is that respect for democracy and protection of human rights represent the most potent ways for the advancement and enrichment of cultural, ideological and legal pluralism. The pursuit and accomplishment of such objectives can only be achieved through negotiation that leads to the accommodation and empowerment of minority groups and nations.

Contents: Ramón Máiz: The Normative Theory of Federalism and the Idea of Nation – François Rocher: The Federal Ideal. Empirical and Normative Explorations – Alain-G. Gagnon: Empowerment through Different Means. Nationalism and Federalism in the Canadian Context – José María Sauca: The Canadian School of Diversity’s New Influences on the Theory of Collective Rights in Spain. A Critical Review of Seymour’s Contribution – Jocelyn Maclure: After the Bouchard-Taylor Commission. Religious Accommodation and Human Rights in Quebec – José Woehrling: Federalism and the Protection of Rights and Freedoms. Affinities and Antagonism – Ascensión Elvira: Rights Beyond the State. The European Union and the European Court of Human Rights – Eduardo J. Ruiz Vieytez: On the (Human) Rights to Self-Determination and National Conflicts – Gérard Bouchard: What is Interculturalism? – Joxerramon Bengoetxea: Multiculturalism and Legal Pluralism. European Perspectives – María Isabel Wences: Interculturalism and Republicanism. Is Dialogue Possible?