Cultural and ethnic diversity is often described as a new threat to global security. The proposed paper argues for a contrary view. It shows ethnic diversity and the conflicts resulting from it have always been a part of international relations. What has changed recently is only the outward behavior of ethnic groups, or in some cases, the behavior of their leaders. As the frigid Cold war climate melted to make room for a more democratic arrangement of international affairs, the leaders of ethnic minorities became ready to pursue their own interests. The paper asserts that these strivings and ethnic tensions per se are a natural matter in a multi-cultural world. They can even prove to be vital to the development of international community as a brake to undesired cultural consequences of globalization. However, the previous statement is only valid as long as the ethnic tensions do not interfere with security. Ethnic discords can only be perceived as positive if they are not escalated to an armed conflict. Yet – does it mean cultural and ethnic identities should be detached from international politics and thus “securitized”? The answer is no; it is unattainable. The paper concludes that ethnic identity cannot be refuted; ethnic conflicts are thus inevitable. However, they might be transformed from armed conflicts to political problems. As such, they may contribute to the heterogeneity of world politics. Cultural diversity therefore should not be feared. It should rather be endorsed, embraced and exploited in favor of the international community.
